Determined fundraisers braved scorching temperatures to raise almost £8,000 for the Countess of Chester Hospital in the annual Essar Chester Half Marathon.

Staff members from the Trust, including Chief Executive Officer Jane Tomkinson, and several local fundraisers all donned their running shoes for the 13.1-mile race through Chester and the surrounding areas, in aid of good causes for the hospital.

Despite sweltering temperatures on the day, almost 6,000 runners pounded the streets, with the event hailed a huge success.

Chester and District Standard: Runners from Zodeq with their Chester Half Marathon medals.Runners from Zodeq with their Chester Half Marathon medals. (Image: Countess of Chester Hospital.)

The Trust's Chief Executive Officer Jane Tomkinson OBE, who ran for the Countess Charity alongside some of her family members, said: "It was a real honour to run the Chester Half Marathon for the Countess Charity.

"The atmosphere and the weather were fantastic and the support from other runners and colleagues from the Countess of Chester Hospital really kept us going in the heat. Thank you to the fundraising team for all their support."

Chester and District Standard: Farralls Group runners.Farralls Group runners. (Image: Countess of Chester Hospital.)

Nicola Stubbs, corporate and events fundraiser for the Trust, added: "We were once again overwhelmed and delighted with the amount of supporters that wanted to run for us at The Countess Charity this year.

"The sun shone all day which made the 13.1 miles even more difficult. Each and every runner did a fantastic job and we are thrilled to have received over £7,900 in support of our hospital."

If you would like to take part in a running event for The Countess Charity in 2025 including the Chester 10k, Chester Half Marathon, Chester Metric Marathon or Chester Marathon contact Nicola on n.stubbs@nhs.net to take one of the 15 places they have secured. 

  • James Edwards, Tom Edwards, Simon Rodriguez, Mike Schroeter and Chris Miller from Deeside firm Farrall's Group raised £982.50 for the Countess Charity's Retinal Eye Scanner Appeal
  • James Turner and Matthew Tosh from Chester-based business Zodeq raised £497.50 for the Countess Charity's Retinal Eye Scanner Appeal
  • Helen Morris raised £150 for the Stroke Ward
  • Lottie Elliott raised £2,903.50 for the A&E department
  • Lee Evans raised £1,731.25 for the Critical Care Unit
  • John Boote raised £162.50 for the Retinal Eye Scanner Appeal
  • Jane Tomkinson OBE, Iona Jackland and Keith Broadbent raised £1,560.00 for the Retinal Eye Scanner Appeal and the A&E department.