OLYMPIANS Steve Cram and Paula Radcliffe were on hand to fire the starting gun for this year’s Worcester City Run.
After jogging with runners along the river path to the marina, the pair revealed more about the exciting plans for the 2023 event over breakfast.
An estimated 4,000 runners are expected to participate in the ninth Worcester City 10K and Half Marathon, hosted by Events of the North and Worcester BID. The event promises to be bigger and better than ever and this year takes place on September 16 and 17.
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity (WAHC), the official charity partner, are hoping this year to make a real difference by raising funds for patients and staff.
Nicky Langford, WAHC community fund-raising officer, who attended the event said: “It has been a pleasure to be part of these events throughout the years, and to support and encourage our runners as they challenge themselves and raise money for our charity.
“What makes this event so special is it enables our whole community to come together; our staff, patients, local community members and local businesses, all combining to raise funds for our three local hospitals. This year we are hoping to smash last year’s fund-raising total of £15,000.”
Running with Steve Cram and Paula Radcliffe and representing Team Worcestershire Acute were Alison Davis and Richard Johnson.
Alison has worked for the Trust since 2003 firstly as an outpatients manager and then matron in the surgical division at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and the Alexandra Hospital. She is now a Volunteer Manager.
Alison is running to raise the profile of both the charity and volunteers who make an invaluable contribution in lots of ways, all of which support patient, carer, family and staff well-being.
Richard, a charity volunteer, is running as part of a team of three with his friends and family in support of WAHC.
Sophie Burt, head of fund-raising and community development at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity, said: “We are pleased to be the official charity partner for this year’s Worcester City Runs. We are delighted to have 50 runners join Team Worcestershire Acute representing our charity and raising funds for the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust by taking on both the 10K and Half Marathon distances.
“We will invest the sponsorship raised into the provision of enhancements, additions and added extras which link closely with the strategic aims of the Trust, that can make the working day easier, the service more comfortable or improve the experience for patients, staff and visitors.
“It is brilliant to have the support of our community behind us and we can’t wait for the run itself.”
Visit https://wahcharity.org for more on Team Worcestershire Acute in the NHS’s 75th year.
