Big win for Saffron Walden runners

OVER 500 runners took to the roads around St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood, including a team from Saffron Walden, on Sunday.

OVER 500 runners took to the roads around St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood, including a team from Saffron Walden, on Sunday.

The Saffron Striders finished the 10km race with winning the men's race, ladies race and by coming top in the female club category.

Andrew Mynott was the first man back with a time of 35mins 07secs, with Fiona Halls coming in with a time of 40.42.

Events fundraise Tracy Stratford said: "We are delighted that so many runners turned out to support us on Sunday and already raised �7000 towards our work, funds are certain to grow as sponsorship floods in.

"It was another great year for the Hospice 10km with over 500 runners taking to the roads surrounding the Hospice centre.

"Our special thanks for all those who took part, came to support family members and to PPE, Palletline and Jonen Shipping for their generous sponsorship. We would also like to thank Ten17 for promoting the event and for providing entertainment on the day."

She added :"We continuously provide free care to people throughout Uttlesford and it's therefore lovely to celebrate the achievements of people from that area, taking part in our fundraising events."

St Clare Hospice is a charity providing specialist care for people living with life limiting illnesses in West Essex and East Herts border. It cares for patients and their families, providing physical, social, psychological and spiritual support.

The hospice currently only receives 30 per cent of the �2.5m annual running costs from the NHS. The rest it has to raise.