A CHILDREN’S hospice is encouraging people of Chirk to attend a new fundraising event in the area later this year.

The Chirk Castle “Glow in the Dark” 4K Fun Run will take place at Chirk Castle on Sunday, October 19.

A similar event held annually in Telford has raised more than £40,000 over the past four years.

The hospice has helped many families through the death of a child.

Martine Jones from Chirk lost her daughter Mia, who died at the age of four in 2018.

After falling ill, Mia spent time at the hospice, and her mum was full of praise for the service the hospice provided.

Martine said: “Mia absolutely loved Hope House, they felt like family. The nurses knew Mia was poorly, and how to care for her, but they still made things fun.

“It was all about giving her a good life and finding a way to do the things we wanted, such as riding a rocking horse.

“They would never say something was impossible.

“I chose Hope House because we knew everyone, and I knew they would look after us all. There was nowhere else I wanted to be.

“I dread to think what it would have been like if Hope House wasn’t there.”

In memory of Mia, Hope House fundraiser Cat Dowdeswell has arranged for Mia’s brother, Liam Parry, to be the official race starter.

She said: “Mia was a huge part of Hope House over the past four years and we are thrilled that Liam has agreed to start the race in her memory and that the rest of the family will be on hand to hand out the medals.

“It’s so important that people understand how important Hope House is to families like Mia’s.

“Every week, three local families face their worse fear and their child dies.

“We can currently only support one of these families, but we are committed to changing this.

“We must be there for every Mum, Dad, brother and sister who needs us and events like the Chirk Castle Dark Run are essential in helping us reach the £6.3 million we have to raise every year.”

The hospice gave thanks to support from local businesses including LeverCliff, Brynmor Foods, Kronospan, Jac Cassidy from Clubbercise, Med Aid and ORB Sound and Lighting.

Any businesses interested in supporting the event with a financial donation can get in touch with Cat on 01691 671671.

Adult entry is £13 and children £7. All participants are asked to raise a minimum of £10 for Hope House.

Places can be booked at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chirk-castle-dark-run-4k-2019-tickets-57724525610.

A team of volunteers is needed to help out on the night, anyone willing to offer services, please contact catrin.dowdeswell@hopehouse.org.uk