Runners illuminated during night-time event

A sea of night runners took their marks under the bright lights of the Illuminations as Brian House Children’s Hospice held its second ever Night Run.

An incredible 2,028 runners set off along Promenade outside the tower on a road that was closed to traffic and ran a total of 7.5km in the hope of raising as much money as possible for the Bispham-based children’s hospice.

With sponsorship money still coming in, fundraisers at Brian House expect the event to have raised more than £50,000.

Night Run was first held in 2019, when 6,000 people took part in the event and raised more than £78,000 for the hospice. In contrast to the hospice’s other fundraising events, Night Run is free to enter with thanks to sponsorship by the Kentown Wizard Foundation.

After Covid-19 forced the cancellation of last year’s event, organisers were very pleased to see its return on Wednesday night.

The hospice’s Head of Fundraising, Linzi Warburton, said: “Our first ever Night Run was absolutely incredible. To see so many people taking part under the bright lights, all to support our area’s most fragile children, was just amazing. As soon as it was over, we were so excited to start planning the next one.

“Unfortunately, like all our other events during 2020, it wasn’t to be. We made the event virtual and were pleased to see so many people taking part on their own whenever they were able. But there’s nothing like hosting a live event and being part of what is always an electric atmosphere.

“So we were very excited, once more, to be planning Night Run for this year. We worked incredibly hard to ensure it was as safe as possible for everyone taking part and had Covid-secure measures in place.

“In the end, it was a fantastic night. Everyone taking part, and those cheering them on, had such an amazing time and they have all helped us to be there for local children in our area who have a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, as well as their families.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Night Run has been able to raise so much after the challenging 18 months those in our community have faced.

“Without people supporting us, like those who take part in our events, we simply wouldn’t be here for all the families who need us. We are so grateful to everyone who took part in this event, as well as those who volunteered their time on the night so we could make it the huge success it was.”