More than 4,000 took part in a major charity run in Blackpool last week, and have raised over £100,000 for Brian House Children’s Hospice.

Blackpool Night Run is the only charity run under the world-famous Illuminations that takes place on a traffic-free Promenade. Organised by Brian House, this year’s event took place on 27th August and saw participants setting off from outside Blackpool Tower and running to Red Bank Road and back to complete the 7.5km route.

Although free to enter, runners are asked to donate or commit to raising at least £30 in sponsorship to help Brian House support children living on the Fylde coast with life-limiting or life-threatening illness.

Hospice bosses say they are overwhelmed at how much the event has raised – the most since its launch in 2019!Runners were inspired by the start line by

Caroline Dempsey, her son Ben and their family as they shared their inspiration for taking part – celebrating the memory of Olivia who was cared for at Brian House in 2021, aged just seven.

Olivia’s mum Caroline said: “We hope that by sharing Olivia’s story, it inspired runners during their run just as the memories of Olivia kept us all going. We all love the thought that her story continues to live on and is helping other children receive the exceptional care we were so blessed to have.

“Every pound raised through Blackpool Night Run means that more children like Olivia – more families like ours – are supported by Brian House and its amazing team of nurses who became our family during the worst time of our lives.”In total, with sponsorship coming in, Blackpool Night Run has raised an incredible £106,000 for Brian House.

Events Manager Kayleigh Penn said: “Blackpool Night Run remains our most popular event, enjoyed by people from across the North West and beyond the chance to get a peek at the Illuminations before the official switch on through a chip-timed run that supports local families who rely on our children’s hospice.

“The money raised will allow us to continue our vital care to children who are incredibly poorly, providing much-needed support to them and their families struggling with the challenges of caring for a child who is life-limited and giving wonderful experiences and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Hearing Caroline and Ben speaking before the event started was a heartfelt reminder of the reason we put on events like Night Run, and we’re so grateful they not only shared their story, but took part in the event raising over £5,000 themselves!

“To have raised such a significant amount of money through our free event on Blackpool’s promenade is such an incredible achievement for our hospice, and is testament every single person involved in Night Run, from our 4,000 runners to our event sponsors, The Kentown Wizard Foundation and our team of amazing volunteers. We simply couldn’t have done it without them.”

The charity’s next event is Blackpool Glow Walk (previously Blackpool Memory Walk) – another free event supporting its Trinity Hospice, providing participants with a 2.5mile or 5 mile walk under the Illuminations in memory of those they love. For more information visit www.blackpoolglowwalk.co.uk.