A TEAM of university staff who took part in the Cambrian News Aberystwyth 10k run have raised nearly £2,000 in memory of a much-loved colleague who died earlier this year.

The nine-strong team took to the streets on Sunday, 11 December, in memory of former head of department Prof Mike Foley who died after a battle with cancer in August.

Former colleagues, a student, an alumna and two of Prof Foley’s children all took part to raise money for leading blood cancer charity Bloodwise.

Prof Foley joined Aberystwyth University in 1974 as a lecturer in American government and politics, and served the university for over 40 years in a variety of capacities.

Led by Dr Patrick Finney, a Reader in the Department of International Politics, the team said they were delighted to have exceeded their initial fundraising target of £1,000.

Patrick said: “Mike’s death was a great shock to the Interpol community and we wanted to ensure we did something to remember him.

“It seemed natural to raise money for Bloodwise, the charity which the family specified for donations at his funeral.

“The idea to run the race in memory of Mike emerged towards the end of the summer.

“We have been training hard ever since and we were delighted to be joined by members of his family.”

More money for the cause will be raised at a raffle which is due to be drawn at the department’s Christmas party.

Donations are still open and can be made online at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/interpolAber10K.