Runners raise Great total for good cause
POUNDS and pennies have started rolling in to East Cheshire Hospice from one of Europe’s most popular running challenges – the simplyhealth Great Manchester 10K Run.
The run turned into an emotional occasion as thousands took to the streets just days after the Arena bombing and featured a team of over 60 runners in the hospice team, who between them hope to raise around £25,000 for the charity.
Joining the 40,000 runners was a 35-strong team from Cheshire business Chess ICT, who took up the challenge to pledge at least £345 each – the amount needed to fund one night of patient care at the hospice.
And with monies still coming in, they hope they have raised almost £4,000 at the Great Manchester Run for the hospice.
One of the Chess ICT team, Adele Sloan, is no stranger to the challenge.
“This was my fourth time running the 10K with Chess and I just love getting involved,” she said. “Running for me never gets any easier but there’s no feeling quite like crossing that finish line and picking up your medal.
“The atmosphere and support on the day was totally overwhelming!”
Chess founder and chief executive, David Pollock, also took part in the race for his fourth year alongside his wife, Tina.
David Pollock said: “It was great to see so many of our people training hard to take part in the Manchester 10k, playing their part to raise money for a great cause.
“East Cheshire Hospice relies on donations for over 80 per cent of its funding to do its great work. At Chess we’ve pledged our support to them now and in the future.”
Also running was Rachel Phillips whose husband, Greg, recently spent the last month of his life in the hospice.
“The level of care he received was exceptional and all those around Greg were supported and felt loved by the staff,” said Rachel. “Anyone who knows me knows I am not a runner but I wanted to raise money as a ‘thank you’ to everyone there and to help them continue to do what they do so well.”
All the runners were welcomed at the East Cheshire Hospice stand in the Charity Village by the hospice backroom team which included sports massage therapists, Elisa Connor and Lukasz Majewski.
Elisa has assisted East Cheshire Hospice at the run for the last four years, aiding runners both before and after the gruelling 10k race.
“It was a very emotional day for many, coming so soon after the horrific events in Manchester,” said events assistant, Beth Candy.
“But it was a great occasion, with so many people turning out to show their support.”