Supporters took on the 5K and 10K Hospice Run 2021 routes on on Sunday September 19, after a year’s break in 2020 due to the pandemic.
The hospice’s Head of Fundraising, Louise Wardle, said: “We were so delighted to have been able to bring our supporters together today and to be able to cheer them on.
“The hospice remained open throughout the pandemic and we are so proud of our nurses for delivering outstanding care, no matter the circumstances. It is fundraising support like this that makes this possible.
“Thank you to our runners and supporters, and thank you to Savills Tunbridge Wells for sponsoring the event.”
Many runners took part in memory of loved ones cared for by the hospice. Annie Lynch, from Tunbridge Wells, ran with her children William and Millie in memory of her husband, Matt. The youngsters completed the 5K route and helped their mum on her way to raising over £2,000 for the hospice.
The organisers of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Parkrunners, probably one of the largest groups of participants, commented afterwards: “Well done to everyone who took part in today’s Hospice in the Weald events… it was great to see so many of you there.”
Sofia Baguley, of Sofia’s Colombian Kitchen, Tunbridge Wells, who runs every year with her family, said: “We started running the Hospice 10k around five years ago after a friend and neighbour was cared for by them in his final days. Running and raising £610 for such a worthy cause this year felt really good!”
And regular parkrunner Erica Jones said: “This was my third hospice 10k run. I love the atmosphere and how happy everyone is, and it’s great to be able to do my bit to help raise money for such an important local charity.”
Hospice in the Weald cares for people with a terminal illness and those important to them in West Kent and part of East Sussex, and remained open throughout the pandemic, caring for COVID-positive patients and helping to ease pressure on local NHS hospitals.
The hospice is not part of the NHS and needs to raise over £7million every year. The run is an important part of their essential annual fundraising.
The hospice’s next event is a Starlight Stroll on October 16. Describing the walk, the hospice says: “After a year apart, come together for an evening of reflection as we walk together, sharing memories and remembering loved ones.”
Starting out at Hospice in the Weald, Pembury, the six-mile walk will head to Dunorlan Park before returning to the hospice. Lanterns carried on the walk can then be set down in the Labyrinth at the heart of the hospice gardens, where participants can stay a while remembering their loved ones.
Find out more about the Hospice Run 2021 at:
hospiceintheweald.org.uk/events/hospice-run-2021
And find out more about the upcoming Starlight Stroll at:
hospiceintheweald.org.uk/events/starlight-stroll-2021
