ON Sunday 12th April at 10.30am, hundreds of runners will line up at the start of St Clare Hospice’s annual 10k run, raising vital funds with every mile. And there’s still time to sign up for anyone looking to take on a meaningful challenge for a great cause.

Among this year’s runners is 19-year-old Layla Ellis, from Stansted, who is taking on the challenge in memory of Nicola ‘Nicky’ Berg, a family friend, who died in 2025 after a courageous five-year battle with breast cancer. Layla has already raised an incredible £1,380 for St Clare Hospice, inspired by the care Nicky and her family received.

‘I’m taking on the 10k run in memory Nicky, who I can only describe as my second mother. Nicky has been part of my life for as long as I can remember; my parents, Carol and Jamie, became best friends with Nicky and her husband Andy more than 30 years ago. Nicky was one of the strongest and most positive people I’ve ever known, and anyone who met her remembers her warmth, kindness and smile.’

She continued, ‘Nicky bravely faced Stage 3 Triple Negative breast cancer for around five years. Even on the hardest days, she chose hope and focused on the good. When her illness progressed, she was referred to St Clare where the care she received was extraordinary. The team supported not only Nicky, but also Andy and their boys, Max and Louis, and welcomed all of us who came to visit. Knowing she spent her final days so beautifully cared for, surrounded by love, brings us comfort.’

On her training and fundraising, Layla added: ‘I couldn’t run for more than a minute when I started, so I began with walks, built up my stamina in the gym, and then took on park runs with my sister. My goal is to cross the finish line – not chase a time. Whenever I feel like stopping, I think about everything Nicky went through with such dignity, and it keeps me going.

Fundraising has already topped £1,000 – an amount that could cover the cost of running the hospice’s GriefLine for over a week – which shows how loved Nicky is and always will be.

If anyone is considering fundraising for a charity event, my advice is to just do it – stay consistent and let love and kindness fuel you.’

Anyone interested in taking part in the St Clare Hospice 10k Run on Sunday 12th April 2026, from 10.30am–1pm, can still sign up.

Entry costs £21 for standard runners, £19 for affiliated runners, and £19 for wheelchair racers, and those who raise £200 or more will receive a free personalised running vest.

Register now at stclarehospice.org.uk/stclare10k.

To support Layla as she runs in memory of Nicky, visit stclarehospice.enthuse.com/pf/layla-ellis.