Ten thousand thanks - run raises over £10,500 for Springhill Hospice

Left to right: Councillor Janet Emsley, John Connor, Williams Rochdale BMW, Julie Halliwell, Springhill Hospice, Nick Barton, Race Director, Nikki Green, Rochdale Triathlon Club, Phil Roberts, Rochdale Harriers and Geraldine Kirk, Middleton Harriers

Runners who took to the streets for Williams BMW Rochdale Half Marathon, 10K and Fun Run this year have helped raise over £10,500 for Springhill Hospice.

The event saw its highest number of entrants, with many choosing to run for the hospice, the event’s official charity.

Just over £10,000 was raised for Springhill Hospice from a combination of online and cash sponsorship collected by runners. This total has received a further boost with event organisers, Rochdale Harriers, Middleton Harriers, Rochdale Triathlon Club and Rochdale Borough Council adding another £500 to the total.

The hospice provides specialist palliative care to patients and their families from diagnosis to end-of-life through a range of services.

The event organisers gathered at Springhill Hospice, along with John Connor from title sponsor Williams Rochdale BMW, who have supported the races since 2015. 

Julie Halliwell, chief executive of Springhill Hospice said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who took part in the Williams BMW Rochdale Half Marathon, 10K or Fun Run this year to raise money this year for our work. The total raised is absolutely fantastic and it will make a real difference to local people living with cancer. Thanks to all our supporters, volunteers and donors alike, without whom we simply would not survive. We all really appreciate the support and we’re already looking forward to seeing the event return in 2019.”  

John Connor, head of business at Williams Rochdale BMW said: “We were very pleased to see a record number of entrants this year and to raise over £10,500 for Springhill Hospice in just one day is a magnificent achievement. Williams Rochdale BMW is keen to support the town and most importantly raise more money for good causes.”

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture, added: “Each year the reputation of this event grows and the support we’ve had for Springhill Hospice, such a worthy local organisation, has been wonderful.  We also know that runners have raised money for many other charities so it shows what a difference this event is making and the final total raised will run into tens of thousands of pounds.”

The annual event was co-ordinated by Rochdale Harriers, Middleton Harriers and Rochdale Triathlon Club supported by Rochdale Borough Council.

Williams BMW Rochdale Half Marathon, 10K and Fun Run returns in October 2019.