Great North Run entrants can help Hartlepool's hospice

Fundraisers and runners are already preparing for this year’s run on Sunday, September 9, and Alice House Hospice is appealing for people to get involved.

The hospice initially receives 25 charity places which have now been allocated.

In addition to this, they look to recruit runners who have successfully sourced themselves a running place through the ballot system and would like to support by raising sponsorship.

Alice House also seek to source additional places through the event clearing system which enables charities to sell on places that they have been unable to fill; these places are usually released around May and June.

Fundraisers at the hospice keep a waiting list of people seeking these extra places and will source them when they are available.

Hospice staff member Greg Hildreth, who co-ordinates the running team, said: “It’s always exciting to hear from all the people wanting to run in support of our patients, it’s a massive challenge, a fantastic day out and most importantly a huge date in our fundraising calendar.

“Over the last 10 years the Great North Run has raised almost a quarter of a million pounds from over 400 runners taking part on behalf of the hospice; it’s a staggering amount raised from a wonderful bunch of people.

“We are really looking forward to this year’s event and would love to hear from anyone who has their own place, or would like to join our waiting list.”

The hospice, based in Wells Avenue, Hartlepool, is a registered charity offering specialist palliative care to hundreds of adults from Hartlepool and East Durham each year.

Individuals who access hospice services can be living with a variety of illnesses including cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, motor neurone disease, end stage heart disease and Parkinson’s.

For more information on taking part in this year’s Great North Run for Alice House Hospice, contact Greg on 01429 855529 or email him at: [email protected].