'˜Biggest ever' Chestnut Tree House 10k sees Littlehampton transform

Participants of all ages and abilities from across the county and as far afield as Merseyside descended on the town to take part in the 13th annual event.

The 10k is one of the biggest and most important fundraisers for the hospice.

Among the sportswear and high-vis vests were several colourful costumes as a band of runners tackled the course in fancy dress.

Among them was James Snook who ran in a snowman outfit, and his friend Dave Chapman who dressed as a “female Mr Tumble” and lit up the course with his hot pink outfit.

James, from Portsmouth, has completed several fundraisers in aid of Chestnut Tree House.

The 38-year-old dad-of-two was spurred into supporting the charity three years ago after his close friend Steve Rook’s daughter, Amber was cared for by the hospice team.

He said: “We managed a reasonable time, which we were quite pleased with. This is the first time I’ve done the 10k and the crowd were fantastic, there was lots of cheering.”

Rosie Duplessis also ditched traditional sportswear and instead completed the course – her first 10k – in a pair of wedge heels and full-skirted 1950s dress, while carrying a handbag.

Rosie ran as part of a team from Cabot Credit Management, based in Worthing.

Rosie, 27, from Angmering, said: “Everyone was really, really nice, all the marshalls were cheering me on and everyone waited for me at the end.”

Organisers were delighted with the turn out, with 1,100 runners taking part making 2016’s 10k the biggest ever to date.

Nicky Ifould, events fundraiser from Chestnut Tree House, said: “Sponsorship money and donations are still coming in but we’re on course to have smashed 2015’s total of £45,000, which is fantastic.

“Thank you to every one of our runners. Every penny they raised will go directly towards our work supporting seriously ill youngsters, which is hugely important for us as we receive less than 7 per cent of our funding from central government.

“We must also thank all our wonderful volunteers who gave up their time to ensure the race ran smoothly and to all our supporters and sponsors – we couldn’t do it without them.”

For more information about Chestnut Tree House and its work visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk.

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