Last year, a record-breaking 1,450 people took part in the Littlehampton 10k, raising around £50,000 for Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice. In 2018, as both the hospice and event mark 15 years of being part of the local community, Chestnut Tree House is seeking runners to sign up and get involved.
Taking place on Sunday 9 September on Littlehampton beach promenade, the 10k route passes through residential Littlehampton, Rustington and Mewsbrook Park. The run attracts a variety of participants every year, from individuals and groups of friends to corporate groups and running clubs. From keen runners pushing for a personal best to people taking part in fancy dress, it is an event for both experienced and first-time runners.
Lauren Gowing, Events Fundraiser for Chestnut Tree House said: “The Littlehampton 10k is very special as it was our original fundraising event, which has been running as long as we have. Even longer in fact, as the first Littlehampton 10k took place in September 2003 – two months before Chestnut Tree House officially opened its doors on 11 November.
“In our 15th birthday year, we’d like to encourage everyone to make every moment count. Now is the time to take on a challenge and help us so that we can continue to help local children with life-shortening conditions and their families.”
One team taking part is hoping to attract 200 runners and raise over £20,000. ‘Team Essie’ is led by Lorna and Steve Cobbett, and inspired by their triplet daughter, Essie, who sadly passed away last August. Dressed in bespoke red t-shirts, Team Essie played a prominent part in last year’s Littlehampton 10k with 119 runners, something the Cobbetts are hoping to exceed this September to raise money for Chestnut Tree House – a “place that is very close to our hearts”.
Chestnut Tree House Patron, Tim Breden, has also set himself a target – to raise £12,500 with a group of friends. Known as Team TAF, the friends are training together to get fit and fundraise.
Lauren Gowing continued: “We need to raise £6,850 every day to pay for all the specialist care services provided by Chestnut Tree House, both at the hospice and in families’ own homes. So, please, sign up now. Make this a year for crossing the finish line. For yourself. For local families. For living. For the Now.”
Registration costs £18 per person. Find out more at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/10k
Chestnut Tree House opened its doors on 11 November 2003 and currently provides care and support to around 300 children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families across Sussex and South East Hampshire – both at the hospice and in families’ own homes. The cost of providing this vital service is over £3.5 million per year, yet the hospice receives less than 7% central government funding so relies heavily on the generosity and support of the community to continue providing vital care to children and families.
