A RECORD total of over £63,000 was raised on Sunday (2 April) as 337 racers took part in St Clare Hospice’s 10k 2023 road race. This is largest amount ever raised from this 10k race as it celebrated its 29^th anniversary and would cover the cost of running Inpatient Unit for 12 days.

The racers set off from the Hastingwood-based Hospice at 10.30am, tackling a route along roads through the beautiful Essex countryside.

Andrew Bracey, from Harlow Wheelchair Racing Squad, was the first wheelchair competitor across the finish line in a time of 30 mins 6 secs.

The first man back was Sam Pedley from Bishop’s Stortford Running Club, in a time of 33 mins 25 secs. He was followed by Kevin Francis, from Ware Joggers (34:00) and then Rob Lowe of Harlow Running and Tri Club (34:17) who took third place overall. 

The first woman back was Zoe Oldfield of Loughton Athletic Club with a time of 39 minutes 31 secs. Followed by Frances Gamble of Orion Harriers (40:33), and then Mary Knapman of Loughton Athletic Club (41:00).

Event Organiser, St Clare Challenges and Events Fundraiser Clare Morris, said, “We were thrilled to host such a well-attended 10k race and to have raised such a huge amount for the Hospice. £63,000 could cover the cost of running our Inpatient Unit for 12 days. The specialist Unit ensures those with the most complex conditions are cared for in a supportive environment. Once there, patients and families often experience immense relief on having their distressing symptoms – which have been difficult to manage at home – managed and their quality of life improved.

“We have had fantastic support from our local running clubs, supporters and volunteers, selling out well before the normal closing date, with 337 racers crossing the finish line. We’re over the moon that the event has raised more than £63,000 for the Hospice, which makes such a difference to the care we can provide.”

Amongst those taking part in the 10k run was a team of eight clinical staff members of the St Clare Hospice team. The clinical team consisted of: Nicky Reid Norris (Hospice at Home Team Leader), Sam Taylor (Clinical Nurse Specialist), Zoe Hollins (Clinical Nurse Specialist), Dr Ros Marvin (Consultant), Dr Arjun Kingdon (Consultant), Dr Jonathan Riordan (Consultant), Dr Manpreet Kainth and Dr Simon Etkind.

The first back over the finish line from the Clinical Staff Team was Consultant, Dr Simon Etkind who completed the 10k in a time of 51min 29 secs.

Special thanks go to all the volunteers who marshalled the route and helped on site. The full St Clare 10k results are available online at: stclarehospice.org.uk/news

This year’s event was kindly sponsored by HTS Group Harlow (htsgroupltd.co.uk) and Jewson Partnership Solutions (jewsonpartnershipsolutions.com)