THE athletics season started early this year with a Triple Throws Open Charity Event at Hereford Leisure Centre which attracted athletes from across the Midlands and South West.

The event, organised by Cllr Sally Robertson and Hannah Barnes, was in memory of Kurt Etheridge who was in The Rifles and who died tragically in April 2012.

It had been Kurt’s lifelong dream to be one of The Rifles and the money raised on the day in his memory was given to The Rifles Care for Casualties Charity. The Mayor of Hereford, Cllr Phil Edwards, opened the competition and welcomed the 28 athletes.

“The day went very well, even the weather held out, there were a couple of PBs and we managed to raise around £270 for The Rifles Charity at the same time," said Cllr Robertson.

"Hannah, Kurt’s cousin, and I are grateful for the support of Halo and the Hereford & County Athletics Club who without their help the event would not have happened.”