More than 300 charity runners took to the streets of Cheltenham in September to take part in the iconic Run Cheltenham 2024, raising vital funds for the event’s official headline charity partner, Sue Ryder.
With a record-breaking number of runners taking part, this popular event – now in its eighth year partnering with Sue Ryder – has so far raised more than £88,000 for the palliative care and bereavement support charity, which runs Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in Cheltenham.
The hospice, which is home to the county’s only palliative care inpatient unit, provides expert and compassionate care and support to families across Gloucestershire going through the most difficult time in their lives.
Participants chose to lace up their trainers to take on a half marathon, 10K or community mile to support Sue Ryder, with runners of the half marathon and 10K experiencing the Sue Ryder Energy Zone on the town centre’s promenade, where volunteers offered energy drinks, high fives, and motivational words of encouragement.
Matt Reay, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, said: “As always, it’s been a fantastic event, and with our biggest charity representation we were blown away with how many runners came out to support us and run in our Sue Ryder colours. Thanks to them, and their generous fundraising, we’ve managed to raise a staggering £88,000 already with funds still coming in, which will help us continue to be there when it matters for families across Gloucestershire. It was also a pleasure to continue our association with the event alongside headline event sponsor and charity partners Safran Landing Systems who fundraised as a team in support of the hospice.”
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to our wonderful volunteers and everyone involved behind the scenes who helped make the event such a success. If you feel inspired to take on a new running challenge next year, why not sign up now and be part of something amazing?”
Kim Collicutt, Sales and Marketing Manager at Bishop’s Cleeve Football Club, said: “I ran 10k with Bishop’s Cleeve Football Team representatives, along with a team for the half marathon in memory of my Grandad who, in his last days was cared for wonderfully by Sue Ryder. My Dad and all my family are grateful that Sue Ryder were there when we needed them the most. Thank you so much, we hope we can help in a little way to express our gratitude.”
Next year, Run Cheltenham will take place on 21 September 2025.
Sue Ryder’s Early Bird Entry is now available and currently the only way to secure a place on the 2025 start line. To sign up, visit: Run Cheltenham 2025 | Sue Ryder and click through to the Let’s Do This sign up page.
For more information on Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, visit www.sueryder.org/leckhamptoncourt
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About Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice:
At Sue Ryder, we can’t make life’s most difficult moments easy, but we can carry some of the load. For more than 70 years we have been a source of strength and support for anyone living with a life-limiting illness or grief.
Dying and grief are universal experiences, but too many people face them alone. Here at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice located just outside Cheltenham we provide a safe and reassuring hand for right across Gloucestershire to reach for.
From giving care and support for someone at the end of their life to helping someone manage their grief, we know there is no one size fits all when it comes to how we cope and the help we need. We campaign for everyone who is approaching the end of their life or grieving to have access to the right support, at the right time. And we seek to break down the barriers to talking about dying and grief – so we can all be better prepared and better equipped to be there for each other.
We can make a positive difference during even the darkest of times. Whether in the last months, weeks or days of life, or living with grief, we help people live the best life they possibly can. We are there when it matters.
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