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BrumHour is invited to share about Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity throughout the year.

Via Stephanie for Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity

Dust Off Those Trainers and Get Running For
Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospitals

This summer Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity is calling on runners of all abilities to dust off their trainers and go the distance for patients by signing up to its brand new virtual running series Red Runners and Purple Pacers.

After the wave of big-name running events such as the Great Run’s Birmingham 10k and half marathon and the Virgin London Marathon affected by coronavirus cancellations, the charity has taken matters into its own hands by launching the two virtual running events to make sure its loyal supporters can continue fundraising.

The Charity has forecasted an estimated 32% loss in its fundraising income for the year 2020/21, with the cancellation and postponement of mass participation and sporting events due to the pandemic playing a large part. This loss of income risks affecting the vital support it provides to both Birmingham Women’s and Children’s hospitals.

Red Runners will go towards helping Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity do more for the hospital’s sick kids, whilst all funds raised by Purple Pacers will go directly to Birmingham Women’s Hospital Charity to support its women, babies and families.

Both the Red Runners and Purple Pacers series offer runners the chance to choose between a 5k, 10k, half or full marathon distance which can be completed anywhere, at any time and at a personal pace. Runners could choose to complete their distance in one go, over a few days or even weeks, logging their evidence right up until Sunday 11th October and receiving a medal for each distance completed separately.

Miranda Williams, Head of Public Fundraising at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity, said:

We’ve heard from so many of our supporters just how disappointed they are that they’ve not been able to take part in running events that have had to be cancelled due to coronavirus, especially when they have trained so hard. That’s why we’ve launched our very own Red Runners and Purple Pacers series and it couldn’t be easier to get involved. All supporters need to do is head to our websites to sign up, get sponsored and get running!

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent postponement and cancellations of major fundraising events have had a major impact on charities like ours so it’s vital that we find new ways for our supporters to fundraise to help us as we continue supporting the vital work of NHS heroes across our Trust.”

To find out more and sign up to take your place with the Red Runners to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, visit bch.org.uk/red-runners.

Alternatively, to join the Purple Pacers and fundraise for Birmingham Women’s Hospital Charity, visit bwh.org.uk/purple-pacers.