Half Marathon Runners raise over £31,000 for Hospice Patients

• 20 March 2024

Over 50 dedicated runners raised over £31,000, to help support people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition, at the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon on Sunday 3 March.

They were part of 13,000 runners who took part in the annual event at the iconic 13.1 mile route, to include St John’s, Trinity, King’s and Jesus College, as well as historical landmarks including The Bridge of Sighs and The Wren Library.

Matt Ford shared the reasons he ran the Cambridge Half Marathon, in memory of his best friend Ed Hallum, who was cared for by the Hospice:

“I saw first-hand the work and support they gave not only to Ed but to his family too. Ed and I were born two weeks apart, lived two minutes away from each other and spent our entire childhood in each other’s pockets; we were best friends growing up and in 2000 he was the best man at my wedding.

We spent most of our lives around Cambridge, attending school at Netherhall, playing sports, seeing gigs at the Corn Exchange and spending some time in quite a few pubs too.”

Ed died at the age of 40, survived by his wife and young daughter. Matt describes that now as he moves into the years Ed never got to experience – spending time with his family and watching his children grow – he understands how important it is that the team at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity is making sure those difficult moments are made as easy as possible.

The #TeamArthur cheer squad (made up of both clinical and supporter staff) were out in force on the day, located outside the Mitre Pub on Bridge Street to give the brave runners an extra boost to the finish line.

Gina Thomas, Events & Challenges Manager at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity commented:

“It was a pleasure to give the supporters a well-deserved motivational cheer and wave as they raced passed. We know that many were running in memory of a loved one, which made the day even more special.

A huge thank you goes to every runner who braved the winter months, putting in the training and for raising so much. This a fantastic achievement and we are so proud of all their hard work and dedication which will continue to support patients in Cambridgeshire. Thanks also go to Gearset, who gifted 14 places in the event, meaning extra runners could raise even more funds for hospice care. “

You can also read about siblings, Mich and Mike Purse who ran in memory of their Mum, Judy Purse here: arhc.org.uk/supporting-you/personal-stories/detail/sibling-run-half-marathon-for-mum/

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If you are interesting in running to support people in your community you can register your interest for the Cambridge Half Marathon in 2025 here: arhc.org.uk/challenges or email fundraising@arhc.org.uk or telephone 01223 675888 for more challenges.