Supporters of Nightingale House Hospice are inspiring a new way of fundraising, after the annual Erddig 10k was cancelled in May.

The annual event could not take place in the spring due to the COVID-19 restrictions on fundraising events, but that didn’t put supporters off raising money for the hospice.

Your 10k Run 2020 is inspired by many of the hospice’s own supporters, who decided to run a 10k during lockdown, on behalf of their friend who sadly passed away at the hospice in April. Out of their efforts the fundraising team decided to create a specific event to encourage others to complete the 10k run at a location of their choice, any time, any day.

Gemma Bloomfield of Ellesmere, Shropshire and friend Angie Prichard of Wrexham are the inspiration behind the event in memory of their friend Joannah Houghton.

Gemma said:

“I decided to run the Erddig 10k virtually after one of my friends, Angie Prichard suggested it. We were both disappointed when we found out the run had to be postponed due to COVID restrictions. This was Angie’s first 10k distance and she did amazing and I’m so proud of her.

“It was an emotional run as we signed up on behalf of our friend Joannah Houghton. Jo wanted to take part and give something back to Nightingale House as she was fighting cervical cancer and was being supported by the hospice, but due to the cancer Jo wasn’t able to take part so we signed up on her behalf and created Team Joannah Houghton. Jo was looking forward to cheering us all on but sadly that wasn’t meant to be and on April 20 Jo passed away at the hospice.”

“I think it’s great that the hospice have created the opportunity for others to do a virtual 10k. I’m hoping to cover this distance again over the weekend in an aim to reach our target, in memory of Jo and raising vital funds for those with life-limiting illnesses at Nightingale House.”

So far the group of friends have raised £473 of their £500 target.

Sam Amis, Fundraising Events co-ordinator at Nightingale House Hospice said: “It is lovely we are able to continue to provide the care needed to our patients like Jo. Jo’s friends Gemma, Angie and their friends have seen the work and support that the hospice provides and wanted to do what they could to help the hospice during these difficult times.

“Without the support from people in the community like Gemma we really would not be able to carry on delivering the services that we do. It’s very much a team effort. We look forward to the day we can all be together again at our fundraising events but until then we will be united virtually.

“Well done Team Joannah Houghton.”

If you are interested in helping raise funds during the last three months of 2020 then please get in touch with the fundraising events team on 01978 316800.