Herts 10K runners urged to send in sponsorship

RUNNERS and walkers who took part in the Herts 10K Challenge are being urged to send in their sponsorship money by January 1.

With 2009 a challenging year for many businesses and Grove House, the money which is still out there from the 10K is vital.

Last year Grove House opened its hospice at home service, providing the opportunity for people to spend their final days cared for in their own home. Next year it wants to expand the service to cover all parts of the St Albans district but to achieve that, it has to increase its income.

It requires �1.5 million each year with only 30 per cent of its funding coming from the NHS

Paul Parrish, fundraising director of Grove House, said: "For the patients and their families there is no price that can be put on the care and support that we provide. However, the reality is that without the fantastic support given by the local community in terms of fundraising we wouldn't be able to provide the services that we currently offer."

He went on: "Our single biggest fundraising event this year has once again been the Herts 10K Challenge with more runners than ever taking part. We have already received a significant sum of money in sponsorship and donations from runners and walkers but we are sure that there is still money out there that needs to be collected and sent in."

Participants need to send in their sponsorship by January 1 to ensure they are included in the prize draw to win an all-inclusive Thomson holiday and other prizes.

Lawrence Levy, founder of the 10K, added: "This Christmas I would urge everyone to dig deep in support of the hospice. If you know someone who took part in the Herts 10K Challenge, why not sponsor their efforts?

"Every pound you donate really does make a difference to someone's life. How often can you say that about a Christmas card or present?