A Derbyshire charity is appealing for fitness enthusiasts to join its fundraising team for the highly-anticipated return of the Derby 10k. 

Treetops Hospice has 100 free places available for the annual event, which was held online last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Runners are being asked to raise a minimum of £108 – to help pay for one night of Hospice at Home nursing care for a local patient at the very end of life.

Several of those running the Derby 10k have personal reasons for supporting their local hospice, including former executive headteacher of St Giles School, Clive Lawrence, who lives in Borrowash. 

His mum, Angela, was just 51 when she died of cancer. 

Clive said:

“Mum came to Treetops for day care. She was only young when she died – just 51 – and had breast cancer for over 28 years, which became secondary cancer of the brain. 

“At Treetops, mum was with lots of other patients in similar circumstances, and she had some amazing times. She absolutely loved being here and always talked about it. 

“It was through coming to Treetops that she picked up information for me, my brothers and sisters about counselling support to help family members going through this. Coming here for counselling was the best thing I ever did and helped me to come to terms with my mum passing away.”

An injury means that Clive won’t be taking part in this year’s event, but he is encouraging others to sign up. 

He said:

“The Derby 10k was, for me, a way of doing something positive after everything that happened.”

Adela Appleby, head of community relationships at Risley-based Treetops, said:

“The Derby 10k is an event which we look forward to every year at Treetops Hospice. 

“I took part in 2019 and really enjoyed it. There was a great atmosphere, and it was very well organised.  I didn’t feel any pressure – there were runners of all different capabilities taking part – and everyone was really encouraging, which is probably why I achieved my personal best.

“We welcome people to sign up to the Treetops Team. All the money raised from the event will help us to continue our vital work for patients and their families.”

The first Derby 10k was held in 2000 and, since then, it has raised thousands of pounds for various charities, including Treetops.

The event will take place on Sunday, October 17 from 9am, and the course will begin and end, as usual, at Pride Park Stadium – the home of Derby County Football Club – taking in the sights of the city centre.

Attracting around 5,000 participants each year, those running for Treetops Hospice will be issued with a branded running vest, energy gel and, of course, lots of support.

To book a place on the Treetops team, please visit: https://running.treetopshospice.org.uk/derby10k or email: Adela at adela@treetops.org.uk.