Over 700 runners have raised an estimated £25,000 for local hospice patient care during a running event at the stunning Chatsworth estate.
The annual event – hosted by Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust, and proudly sponsored by Chesterfield and Sheffield-based BRM Solicitors – took place on Sunday 18th September 2022, with support from the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.
Participants undertook a one-minute silence as a mark of respect to Her Majesty The Queen before the race got underway.
The mixed-terrain, 10k route saw participants running uphill for the first few miles, to a plateau around the beautiful scenery of the Chatsworth estate’s reservoirs. During the final stretch, runners enjoyed majestic views of the stately home.
Following the 10k, the Duchess of Devonshire was on hand to present prizes to race winners, and officially start a 3k race for families.
‘It was a really good run.’
Pam Ferguson from Derby said: ‘I took part today because I really like doing 10k runs; it’s good to have milestones to work towards to keep me going and to keep fit.’
Mandi Muggeson, who lives in Cressbrook, commented: ‘I took part partly to keep fit, as part of a training plan I am doing, but mainly to raise money for Blythe House and Helen’s Trust because I’ve lost family, and friends to life-limiting illnesses. They were different ages, not all older people; I’ve lost friends in their 40s and 50s to cancer. We had family members who had scares earlier in the year; they’re all well, fit and healthy, but it could’ve been very different, and there are lots of people out there whose outcomes are not as positive, so I wanted to do something to support these two charities.’
Oliver Coombs OBrien took part alongside his dad, Pat. Oliver, who lives in Edinburgh, explained: ‘It was a really good run today. I’m doing the London Marathon in two weeks’ time so I’ve been doing a lot of training but this was a difficult route as the first bit was really very steep. But it’s such a good route, there’s lots of really lovely views and as you turn the corner at the top, you get the amazing view of Chatsworth itself, which was really good.’
Couple, Lauren Owen and Alex Hurst, both from Leek in Staffordshire, ran together. Lauren said: ‘I only signed up last week; we were out for a meal in Buxton and we saw a poster for the event so I thought I’d register. I own a personal training studio so I asked some of my clients but I think it was a bit too last minute for them so I’ve ended up representing on my own! Alex decided last night to do it with me and signed up this morning. With minimal training, I completed the route 10 minutes’ fastest than I thought I would, so I am happy with that and I really enjoyed it!’
A huge thank you
Every runner who took part has helped to raise crucial funds for hospice services across the Derbyshire Dales, North East Derbyshire and High Peak. Blythe House and Helen’s Trust receive less than a quarter of their funding from the government and must raise the remaining amount through events like this one, as well as local charity shops and donations.
Rachael Gee, fundraising and events coordinator at the hospice, who organises the event, said: ‘A huge thank you to everyone who supported the Chatsworth 10k in any way, including participants, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, family members and loved ones cheering everyone on – we are so very grateful for your support and it wouldn’t have been possible without you.
‘In the week leading up to the event, in the wake of the sad news about Her Majesty The Queen, we were considering whether it could go ahead. We are very grateful to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire who kindly contributed their support and enthusiasm for the event to take place. It has always been an important fundraiser in the Helen’s Trust calendar and since the charity formed a partnership with Blythe House in 2020, the money raised at the Chatsworth 10k is more vital than ever to support even more hospice patients across North Derbyshire.
‘Sincere thanks go to our headline sponsors, BRM Solicitors of Chesterfield and Sheffield, as well as The Eye Place in Bakewell, TF Jackson in Buxton, Bloomers of Bakewell, Buxton Water, Ledgard Jepson and Up & Running, both in Sheffield, for providing sponsorship, or gifts in kind, meaning that as much money as possible was raised for local hospice patient care. We are so very grateful for your commitment and support.’
Next year’s event is set to take place on Sunday 17th September 2023. Early bird registration is now open – UKA affiliated runners can register for £17 whilst for non-UKA affiliated runners it is £19 before Friday 27th October, or £6 for the 3k fun run. Sign up online now.
Sincere thanks to our business sponsors for the event:
- Headline sponsors, BRM Solicitors
- The Eye Place for sponsoring the kilometre markers
- TF Jackson, Buxton for donating a portakabin
- Bloomers of Bakewell for donating 250 Bakewell puddings for first runners across the finish line
- Buxton Water for donating bottled water
- Ledgard Jepson for providing free design services for the event
- Up & Running for donating runner numbers
