Last Sunday’s fun run raises over 90k for Hospice in the Weald

More than 900 supporters came together for an inspirational Hospice Run

From toddlers to seasoned pros, more than 900 people from across the community joined Hospice Run to raise an incredible £91,000 for Hospice in the Weald.

Special guest Paralympian Will Bayley officially launched the event, held in Tunbridge Wells on Sunday 17 September, giving rousing words of encouragement to the crowd, explaining that the Hospice is close to his heart as family members had benefitted from its care.

Hospice in the Weald, based in Pembury and Five Ashes, provides free care and support for those facing terminal illness and their families in north East Sussex and west Kent.

Taking part in the new Hospice Heroes inspired Family Fun Run and half marathon, along with the classic 5k and 10k routes, runners set off to the stirring sounds of Old School Samba. There were emotional scenes at the finish line as runners celebrated their achievements and remembered loved ones who received Hospice care.

The new half marathon was the fourth fundraising challenge clocked up for the Hospice in the past six months by dedicated supporter Hanna Pepe, from East Sussex. Hanna did the London Landmarks Half Marathon in April, Moonlight Walk in June, and returned from trekking Mont Blanc just two weeks ago, all in memory of beloved father Steve, from Mayfield, who was cared for at the Hospice.

Hanna said: “It was a challenging course but the sense of achievement and seeing my family at the end was amazing. There was such a sense of community and togetherness and I was thinking of my Dad the whole way around!”

Having already raised more than £4,000 through her endeavours, Hanna has sights set on even greater fundraising challenges over the next few years, including climbing Mount Toubkal, Mount Kilimanjaro and reaching Everest Base camp.

She said: “My dad was my hero. He was my confidant and reality checker, he was honest and my respect for him reaches higher than any mountain I will ever climb.”

Sisters Lottie, Olivia and Issy Ramsey ran the 10k route with family and friends – as team Sue’s Jovials – in memory of their mum Sue Ramsey, cared for at the Hospice in October 2021. They have already raised over £3,000 with funds still coming in.

Lottie said: “After everything Mum went through, we wanted to put in some hard work and give back for the incredible care she received. Taking part in events like this are so important as it keeps Mum’s memory alive and helps us to feel closer to her.”

Jesse Ansbro-Brett, Relationship Manager at Hospice in the Weald said: “Thank you so much to all who helped to make Hospice Run 23 such an incredible event. That includes every single runner, our donors, ambassadors, staff, volunteers and the local people and businesses who so generously supported our special community event. More than £91,000 has already been raised with funds still coming in. Every penny will help Hospice in the Weald to continue to make a vital difference to the lives of those in our community facing terminal illness and their loved ones.”

To see photos from the event and to find out more about Hospice in the Weald, visit www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk