RUNNERS taking part in Chester's biggest running events next year will have the chance to raise thousands of pounds for a local children's charity.

Active Leisure Events is delighted to announce Claire House Children’s Hospice as its official race charity for all 2022 events, the Chester 10K, Essar Chester Half Marathon, and the MBNA Chester Marathon and Metric Marathon.

Joint race organiser Chris Hulse said: “We are delighted to have Claire House join us as our official race charity again after a successful partnership in 2017 and 2018 and support their fundraising efforts towards vital care.”

Claire House, the children’s hospice for Chester and the surrounding area, is hoping to raise £50,000 next year through the partnership which could fund vital end of life and bereavement support for local children and their families.

“This marks the first time that all three of our races have the same headline charity,” added joint race organiser Andy White. “Those looking to take up running for the first time with the 10K to raise funds or maybe to help with their mental health, may catch the running bug and journey through to the half and full marathon.

"We will be there, with Claire House, to support them all the way!”

Claire House’s event manager, Mark Pearson, said “We are over the moon to be announced as the official charity for the 2022 Chester running events, starting with the Chester 10K in March, and want to thank the race organisers, Active Leisure, for thinking of us.

“Claire House is a lifeline to local families going through the toughest of times and we are there to ensure that the end of a child’s life is as perfect as it can be and that the family get to make those special memories that they’ll cherish forever.

"We also support the family for as long as is needed. Every runner running in these Chester events next year can raise sponsorship and ensure that our care team can continue to be there for these local families.”

When Fraser McKie from Chester passed away in June this year from a rare genetic metabolic condition aged 19 months, dad Stewart and a large team of family and friends took part in the Chester Half Marathon in September to fundraise for Claire House.

Stewart said: “Claire House supported Fraser throughout his life; the hospice was one of the places that he was at his happiest. When Fraser passed away, he was in the Butterfly Suite at Claire House and the team there have looked after us ever since.

“Training for a half marathon was tough but good for my mental wellbeing. It really helped me focus on something, while supporting Claire House and other families who are in a similar situation to us. If you’re thinking of running next year, do one of these events and support your local children’s hospice.”

To sign up for the Chester 10K, March 13, Essar Chester Half Marathon May 15, or the MBNA Chester Marathon or Metric Marathon October 2, visit www.activeleisureevents.co.uk. You can select to run for or donate to Claire House, or both, during the entry process.