Families from as far away as Italy came to Royal Greenwich Park earlier this month, their children running nearly three miles for a local hospice in a sold-out fun-run race, writes Romilly Schulte…
Kids aged from five to 16 ran 2.62 miles in the Community Hospice Mini Marathon on Sunday, 10 May, raising over £60,000 to help give care to people with terminal illnesses.
Local charity Community Hospice has been looking after people and their families all over Greenwich and Bexley for over 30 years, and fundraising events like these are vital in helping its team continue to do this.
The first-place champion was Oscar Moore, who participates every year in memory of his grandmother who was cared for by Community Hospice – and this year he ran the race in just 14 and a half minutes.
Aneta Saunders, CEO at Community Hospice said: “It may have been cold on Sunday, but the warmth of over 1,600 runners more than made up for it. The atmosphere was incredible – full of energy, encouragement (and proof that some dads still have some catching up to do!”
“I was especially moved by so many young runners raising funds in memory of someone they love – sharing their stories so openly and with such heart.”
Each year the run gets more and more popular, and this year nearly half of the runners were new participants.
Children were cheering each other on in this lively and supportive event, which was also attended by the Mayor, Cllr Linda Bird, and local Pearly Kings and Queens handed out medals at the finish line.
Organisers thanked their long-time corporate sponsor JLL, as well as partners Better Gym and Greenwich Runners, who provided some motivating hype at the start line.
Relatedarticles
Augusta Adu, Community and Events Manager at Community Hospice said: “Our Hospice Mini Marathon brings our community together in the most powerful way. We’re so thankful for the incredible passion, generosity and support shown by everyone who took part; it made the day really special.”
