THE final push for fundraising will be all but finished but athletes still have the hardest part to come as runners tackle tomorrow's Butser Hill Challenge. Runners of all ages will put their best feet forward in aid of the popular Petersfield open-air swimming pool. The Herald-backed race takes place at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, near Petersfield, with proceedings kicking off at 10am with a sponsored forest walk. Young runners will then be involved in school races, starting at 10.15am and 10.45am. Twelve to 16 year olds will then race, followed by the senior and veteran men's and ladies event. Meanwhile, £13,500 has been raised for the pool in other ways. Young fundraiser Mollie Claasen launched her own solo attempt to raise cash for the Heath Road- based pool on Monday night. Mollie, 11, a pupil at The Petersfield School, raised £170 by swimming one kilometre, or 40 lengths of the pool. Mum and dad were on hand to cheer on Mollie, who completed the effort in 24 minutes 23 seconds. Other fundraisers supporting the pool have been congratulated on their efforts. Pool trustees this week thanked everyone who has helped support their fundraising efforts this year. Spokesman Diane Harvey said: "Well done to you all. The response to the 'buy a tile' campaign, which was launched in July, has so far raised the magnificent sum of £13,416, including £1,000 donated by Petersfield Swimming Club. "As has already been reported, the cost of retiling the pool is in the region of £75,000, so the fundraising is on going. "Thanks yet again, to all who support us through our supporters club and the Pool Lottery 200 Club." To find out more about fundraising, call Diane on 01730 266838. She added: "If anyone would like to make a donation, buy a tile or draw ticket or buy a number in our lottery, the pool is open until September 30 when the grand draw will take place." Among those who have helped the cause are the manager and staff at the Folly Wine Bar, and a sponsored swim raised £1,315. Donations can be made at the HSBC bank in The Square and there are collecting boxes at the reception desk of the Petersfield Herald office at High Street.
