Miles ahead: Blythe House Hospice’s Record-breaking fundraiser

Runners taking part in the Chatsworth 10k, sponsored by BRM Solicitors, helped to raise over a record-breaking £54,000 for local hospice care. 

More than 895 runners took on the gruelling 10k route at the Chatsworth estate on Sunday 28th September, with a further 213 contenders joining for the 3k Fun Run. 

Blessed with sunshine and light winds, participants of all ages and abilities helped to raise £54,012 and counting - the most successful fundraising amount from the event since it began in 2008. 

The funds raised will help Blythe House Hospice support local patients in the comfort of their own homes as they near the end of their life. The hospice also provides vital services for children and young people facing the diagnosis of a loved one’s illness, or coping with the death of someone close to them. 

The race winner, Lauren Hayes only registered to take part on the day, and won by an impressive 16 seconds, taking just 37 minutes and 14 seconds to complete the challenging course, before second place, Tom Linley (37:30) and Tom Throssell in third (37:59). 

Rachael Gee, Event Organiser at Blythe House Hospice, said: ‘We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who made this event such a success - our incredible participants and their loyal supporters; army of volunteers and dedicated staff. We are especially grateful to our business sponsors, without whose generous donations and gifts in kind the event simply could not go ahead. The Chatsworth 10k is a true community event and we’re so proud of what has been achieved together this year.’ 

Dan Turner, PE Teacher at Chapel-en-le-Frith High School (photo below), took part alongside 19 colleagues: ‘A mixture of teachers and staff from the school are taking part to support the hospice - we’ve raised over £1,650 so far. We’ve done some work together over the last year including working with the hospice’s clinical and counselling teams for the students’ Personal, Social, Health and Economic Day, and one of our pupils hosted a charity football match. It’s a team event for us all, but one where we can help support such a fantastic local charity.’ 

Emma and Keith Butcher from Sheffield were at the event for the first time; as seasoned 10k runners they wanted to ‘enjoy the event and take in the atmosphere.’ 

Dr Justin Walker, GP at Stewart Medical Centre in Buxton (photo below), was taking part alongside colleagues: ‘We love to support the event and have done so for a few years now. Many of our patients are cared for by the hospice so it’s our way to give something back.’ 

Claire Shibli took part in the 3k Fun Run alongside husband, Kamran, son, Zane, sister, Mandy Oconnor, and other family members. They have raised over £1,300 so far for the hospice in memory of their beloved dad, Brian Dearing. Blythe House’s Roaming Car service supported Brian to die in the comfort of his own home in January 2025. 

Next year’s Chatsworth 10k will take place on Sunday 13th September 2026. Super early bird entry is now open for just two weeks, giving runners the chance to secure their place for only £24. To sign up, visit: www.blythehousehospice.org.uk/chatsworth-10k