The Run Leicester Festival, which took place on Sunday 11th October, celebrated its biggest ever event. With a record 5000 runners signed up for the sold out half marathon and 10K, the event has raised over £150,000 for LOROS Hospice, with the total set to grow as further donations come in.
The event brought thousands of runners and supporters together across Leicester, providing a fitting end to Hospice Care Week and highlighting the importance of supporting local hospice care.
The fundraising comes at a crucial time for LOROS Hospice, which has faced rising costs, growing demand and significant financial pressures. Seven beds on its inpatient ward remain closed, with reopening them a key priority so more patients and families can access specialist care when they need it most.
Camilla Barrow, CEO at LOROS Hospice, said: “We're absolutely delighted to see Run Leicester go from strength to strength, and to have raised over £150,000 for LOROS is fantastic. It's particularly special to see our own nurses taking part, and what a wonderful way to bring Hospice Care Week to a close. We're hugely grateful to everyone who helped make the day such a success.”
Among those taking part was Michelle Clark, Matron of LOROS Hospice's inpatient ward, who completed her first Half Marathon alongside members of her nursing team.
Having gone from running 5K at parkrun to taking on the 13.1 mile challenge, Michelle was inspired by fellow LOROS nurses and motivated by the funding pressures she sees first-hand in caring for patients and families.
Michelle said: “I never thought I'd be someone who could say they've completed a half marathon! It's been a huge challenge, but knowing I was doing it for our patients and families kept me going. I see every day how much our care means to people, and how important fundraising is to keeping those services going. To take on this challenge alongside my colleagues and see so much support for LOROS has been incredible.”
The date for Run Leicester 2027 will be announced in the next few weeks. Visit runleicester.co.uk for the latest updates.
