"Together, Apart" For Chestnut Tree House And The Littlehampton 10K

A very popular annual 10k run supporting Sussex's Chestnut Tree House Hospice is still going ahead this year — but with a socially-distanced twist.

Organisers of the Littlehampton 10k have announced September's fund-raising race will have the theme "Together Apart".

They're asking participants to run the distance starting from their own homes, while the event is co-ordinated in "real time" via the Internet this year.

Andrew Battley from Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice said:

"We have been working hard behind the scenes and are thrilled to bring you the Littlehampton 10k: Virtual Edition.

"The event is a little bit different this year as we run Together Apart for local hospice care.

"We will be bringing all the excitement, camaraderie, and competition of the big day right to you - wherever you are!"

Instead of running the set route on Littlehampton seafront, the hospice has asked runners across Sussex to set off from their own homes alone, with a running buddy or in a small socially distanced group at 9.30am on Sunday 6 September, running a route of their choice.

Andrew added:

"No matter who you are running with or where, we will be with you to cheer you on every step of the way.

"We'll be broadcasting live on Facebook before and after your run, bringing you a live warm-up and count-down to run, a digital cheers to celebrate your success, a 10k champion's breakfast cook along and much, much more!

"The response to the Littlehampton 10k: Virtual Edition has been overwhelming.

"The event is now in its 17th year and participants would have been disappointed if they were unable to take part this year, so we're really excited to have come up with a way for the community to take part whilst keeping safe and adhering to government guidelines."

Registration costs £12 per person (minimum age 16 years).

Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice have created a registration and information page: www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/10k.

The hospice provides specialist palliative care services to 300 children and young people aged 0-19 with life-shortening conditions in East Sussex, West Sussex and South East Hampshire.

It costs over £4 million each year to provide all Chestnut Tree House's specialist care services. Families are never charged for their care and the hospice receives less than 6% from central government, so it relies heavily on the generosity, help and support of the local community.

With effect from Monday 23 March, Chestnut Tree House closed for routine short break admissions for the foreseeable future, in line with Government guidelines for social distancing of vulnerable groups.

The care team remain in contact with children and families and are offering community visits if they would still like them to go ahead.

While the House remains closed for respite breaks and day visits, the team are still able to provide care for exceptional circumstances, for end-of-life and bereavement support.