10k turns into £100k
On Sunday 16th January, over 450 runners took part in the East Lancashire Hospice 10k and 2k Fun Run, organised by Great Harwood business, Gaskell Motor Bodies.
This is the 8th race event organised by keen runner, Nick Gaskell to raise vital funds for East Lancashire Hospice. Both races started and finished at Gaskell Motor Bodies with an excellent participation from the community for the first one back after the pandemic.
The 10k and 2k Fun Run is an important event in the East Lancashire Hospice event calendar and could not go ahead without the support from all the local businesses involved.
More companies than ever before supported the event this year, with Gaskell Motor Bodies not only organising, but also sponsoring the popular race t-shirt. Universal Cooling Ltd, based in Accrington, sponsored the medals which were passed to all runners as they crossed the finish line, Sports Shoes donated the start and finish gantry and Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, based in Great Harwood, sponsored the winner’s vouchers for each race category.
Also instrumental in the event organisation were hospice supporter and volunteer, Chris Knagg who oversaw health and safety for all involved, Shaun Hargreaves & KAYS Traffic Management, who ensure we have the right facilities needed for the health & safety. The East Ribble District Freemasons who kindly marshalled the event and UK Timers who timed all race participants.
The 10k race was first established in 2014 and has grown each year. Overall this event has raised over £100,000 for East Lancashire Hospice, enabling the continued provision of care to people with life-limiting illnesses in Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley.
Leanne Green, Fundraising and Lottery Team Leader from the hospice said, “We are extremely lucky that Nick and Louise Gaskell choose to support East Lancashire Hospice. The 10k is a major event in our calendar, which is so well attended. The team we have on board to organise it are fantastic! From the companies who provide sponsorship, to the volunteers that help on the day with both marshalling and health and safety, they all make the event what it is.”
Leanne continued, “We are overwhelmed with the amount the 10k has raised over the years and already cannot wait to start organising 2023’s race. The companies that have sponsored this event, from the medals to the prizes have really helped to ensure all money raised will go to the provision of hospice care and we cannot thank them enough.”
Nick Gaskell, owner of Gaskell Motor Bodies and organiser of the East Lancashire Hospice 10k finished by saying, “After being involved with the team now for 8 years running this event, this year we saw the largest amount of entries on record, which was absolutely fantastic especially after missing putting on the event last year. I would just like to thank again all the sponsors, volunteers, marshals, local businesses, the community and all the runners who laced up their shoes to raise money for the hospice. We couldn’t do it without you!”
The organisers have already put the date in place for next year’s event, which will take place back at Gaskell Motor Bodies on Sunday 15th January 2023. Keep your eye out this summer on the hospice’s social media channels and website to register your running place.