JOIN THE THORPE HALL ANGELS IN GREAT EASTERN RUN

The countdown is on to this year’s Great Eastern Run and Fun Run – and nurses from Peterborough’s hospice, Thorpe Hall, are urging local people to join them on the route.

Last year the Thorpe Hall Angels finished with smiles on their faces, despite the persistent rain which ensured their uniforms were soaked through before they even got to the start line.

They raised hundreds of pounds towards the building of the new Thorpe Hall, in Longthorpe, Peterborough – and with building work now underway, cash is needed more than ever.

The ‘Angels’ will be taking part in this year’s 5km fun run on Sunday October 12, and it’s not too late to get involved.

Senior sister Susan Shackleton said: “The Great Eastern Run and fun run is as much a part of the community as Thorpe Hall Hospice so it’s the perfect event for us to get involved in. We like to think we’re pretty fit from all the walking we do in our job so we’re hoping the course won’t cause us too many problems and we can concentrate on filling our collection buckets with money from spectators lining the route.

“The fun quota can be increased by persuading family, friends or workmates to join forces, or perhaps choosing a fancy dress theme – we certainly had a lot of fun on the way round last year and were overwhelmed by the support we received from spectators!”

Around 40 supporters have already pledged to run the 13.1 mile half marathon on the same day in support of the Thorpe Hall appeal – without collection buckets but sporting t-shirts encouraging people to text ‘Thorpe’ to 70007 to donate £3. And it’s not too late to sign up. For those who have been training for the half marathon this is the ideal opportunity to tackle the distance and raise sponsorship at the same time.

Susan said: “We’re planning on sticking around after the fun run to cheer in our Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall half marathon runners.”

Great Eastern Runners taking part on behalf of Thorpe Hall will receive a free running vest, fundraising support and a massage after they cross the finish line. There are also t-shirts and goody bags available for those taking part in the fun run. And Sue Ryder – Thorpe Hall representatives will be cheering along the route too for that added incentive to reach the finish.

For information about how to join Team Thorpe call the fundraising team on 01733 225999.

For information about Thorpe Hall and the £6 million appeal visit www.thorpehall.org.