Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice’s annual Mini Marathon returns to Royal Greenwich Park on Sunday 12 May, and hundreds of young Hospice Heroes aged 5 to16 will be lined up to participate in the charity’s 2.62 mile fundraising event.
2024 marks 30 years of the charity supporting people living with terminal illnesses in the Royal Borough of Greenwich and London Borough of Bexley, and there will be celebrations and cheers every step of the way as children get ready to walk, run, race or jog the route, which starts at the iconic Bandstand featured in the London Marathon. Hospice Heroes In 2023, an incredible 900 children took part and collectively raised over £45,000 to support patients and their families in the Greenwich and Bexley community.
Belle and her brother Reggie
Many of the children take part in memory of someone special to them who the hospice has cared for. Like nine-year old Belle and her brother Reggie, aged seven who will be taking part for the second year, in memory of their Auntie Shan. Hannah, Belle and Reggie’s mum, told us “In July 2014 my best friend Shan at the age of 27, found out she had acute myeloid leukaemia. Shan put up a fight but unfortunately it was too aggressive and by January of the following year, she was moved to Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice. She passed away on 24th February 2015 age 28.” She added “The hospice supported her husband, children, family and her friends, they were amazing and made Shan comfortable right until the end. “I keep her memory alive and in 2022 when Belle’s school sent an email about the mini marathon she immediately wanted to take part to raising money in memory of the honorary auntie, and to help support other families.”
While the day's main event is the mini marathon itself, there are plenty of other fun activities and entertainment for families to enjoy. There will be live performances from the Rock Choir and a DJ, plus free sports activities, face painting, and appearances from local royalty, the Pearly People of Greenwich. This year, a cheer squad will support runners along the route. All children will receive a medal for completing the fun run, plus a goodie bag courtesy of event sponsors, JLL. Do you know a hospice hero who can help local families in need? Registration is now open for this popular event and we’re calling on local young hospice heroes to sign up and help to support their local hospice.
Every penny raised will make a difference to the people who rely on the care and support the hospice provides. More information can be found on the hospice website.
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