An ANNUAL fundraising event which takes place in Chirk in aid of a local hospice will be held virtually next month.

The 2020 Hope House Dark Run will take place this Hallowe’en, with the Morda-based hospice encouraging adults and children to don their spooky and fluorescent outfits and complete a 5k route near their homes.

Usually held at Chirk Castle, the Dark Run first took place in 2014 in Telford, and raises much-needed funds to support children and families at the hospice.

The Parry family, in Chirk, received help and support from the hospice, and sent the runners on their way at last year’s event.

Martine Parry, and brothers Liam, Caiden and Kyle, will be supporting the event again this year in memory of Mia Parry who died at the age of four after a lifetime of support at Hope House.

“At Hope House it was all about giving Mia a good life and finding a way to do the things we wanted, such as riding a rocking horse,” said Martine.

“But the support for us as a family, including sibling support for Liam, Caiden and Kyle is incredible.

“They go to the beach and come back having been soaked from head to toe, but you can see they’ve had such fun. I don’t know where we would be without Hope House.”

Fundraiser for Hope House, Lynsey Kilvert, is urging people to support the event more than ever this year after the impact of Covid-19 on fundraising events.

She said: “The dark runs are some of our most popular events, and during these difficult times where we need income we decided to make sure they will be able to go ahead in the best possible way.

“The event will take place on Hallowe’en, October 31, which will allow people to get all dressed up and have fun, something which we haven’t been able to have too much of this year.

“Every week, three local families face their biggest fear and their child dies. Hope House Children’s Hospices cannot stop children dying but we can stop families suffering on their own.

“We need to raise in excess of £6m a year to support all the children and families we help from across North Wales, Shropshire and parts of Cheshire.

“That’s why it’s so important that we are supported by event such as the Dark Run.”

Entrants will be sent a limited edition Virtual Dark Run 2020 glow in the dark medal and goody bag in advance and there will also be a fancy-dress competition on the night too.

Entry costs £20 for an adult and £5 for a child. Participants are asked to raise what they can to make in support of Hope House.

If you would like to sign up to the event, visit hopehouse.org.uk/Event/virtual-dark-run