Shrewsbury Half-Marathon to give hospice a cash boost

Joe's son Harry – who will turn three tomorrow – suffers from a rare form of epilepsy which means he needs round-the-clock care from his parents.

Harry has just had his second visit to the hospice in Morda, near Oswestry, where he has respite care. It gives Joe and his girlfriend Lucy the chance to spend quality time together and also catch up on much-needed sleep.

As a thank you, Joe – whose company UKRunchat has taken over Shrewsbury Half-Marathon for 2016 – has arranged for the hospice to be given dedicated places for runners to take part in next year's run and raise money for the charity.

Joe, who has two older children, said: "I can not explain just how wonderful the hospice is. We are so grateful for the time that Hope House gives us as Harry needs 24-hour care.

"The weekend was a precious chance to sleep and prepare for Christmas and also get ready for Harry's third birthday party on Sunday.

"We as a family have so much to thank Hope House for and I wanted to give something back through the half-marathon.

"I also have a good friend whose son died aged just 22 months. The older children receive counselling from Hope House, it is an incredible place.

"We hope lots of charities benefit from the half-marathon but of course Hope House is very close to our hearts."

Lynsey Kilvert, area fundraiser for Hope House, said that the hospital was very grateful to Joe and his family. "Sporting events are a popular way for people to raise money for Hope House and we have a range of events on our website including running, cycling and trekking, that people can take part in to support us," she said.

"I am sure people will come forward to take up the places for the Shrewsbury Half-Marathon and run the 13.1 miles for the hospice."

To take up a half-marathon place runners will have to pay a reduced registration of just £20 and pledge to raise at least £100 for Hope House.

Lynsey said: "All our Hope House runners will receive a limited edition Hope House running vest and support leading up to and on the day. We will be on the course cheering and have special refeshments for our runners."

All finishers also receive a Nuffield Health Shrewsbury Hospital T-shirt and a race medal.

Runners will also be able to benefit from free sports massages and other health activities.

Roads will be closed off for the race on June 19, and the route will take in much of Shrewsbury town centre including Saint Chad's Church, Shrewsbury Cathedral and the Quarry, ending up at the West Mid Showground.

There will be an athletes' village and family entertainment at the showground.