Brentwood Running Club Continues Amazing Support of Saint Francis Hospice

Brentwood Running Club has been supporting Saint Francis Hospice for 28 years and raised almost £180,000 for people and families who need expert palliative and end-of-life care. Here club member Ben Whateley-Harris explains why the hospice means so much to the club.

Brentwood Running Club prides itself on having fun, social values and community. Being part of the club gives people confidence and the chance to make friends.

Running is for everyone, and you get the best out of yourself when you train with someone.

I didn’t know Brentwood Running Club was linked to Saint Francis Hospice when I became a member. It was a nice surprise because the hospice cared for my dad in 1997, and the charity has been close to my heart ever since.

Saint Francis Hospice is our main charity, and it always will be. People cannot always give money but the most important thing you can give is your time and effort. Fundraising as a club is great because everyone raises what they can and there is no pressure on anyone.

This year we donated £5,000 which was raised from the Brentwood Half Marathon and next year we will be sponsoring an exciting new dancing event, Strictly Saint Francis!

It took me 20 years to do something for the hospice and I’ve never stopped since. I will always put my body on the line and do what I can. It’s my way of keeping dad’s memory alive.

I’ve taken part in so many challenges over the years, but my favourite event has to be the London Marathon. So many members of the club have run the London Marathon for the hospice over the years.

It’s an incredible event. You run through a carnival, and it feels like my home race. You train really hard for it, raise money, and enjoy the day.

It’s so great to be cheered on by Brentwood Running Club at Mile 7 and then later by the Saint Francis Hospice cheer squad at Mile 17. Afterwards you are buzzing in the pub.

What I love about Saint Francis Hospice is that you get to know everyone in the fundraising team, and you really get that personal touch.

And it’s not all about sports, we do whatever we can to help the charity. Last year I volunteered at the Christmas Tree Recycling campaign. It was great fun driving a van and collecting trees.