| Runners Feel Heat For Hospice Funds |
  
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 | The Treetops 10k is the Donna Louise Trust's biggest fund-raiser of the year and record numbers took part. |
Friends and family of a three-year-old who died of cancer were among hundreds of runners who took part in a race for a children's hospice.
Tommy Bennett, from Keele Road, Newcastle, died in March last year after battling a rare form of brain tumour for two years.
Yesterday, 12 of those closest to him took to Trentham Gardens for the Donna Louise Trust's Treetops 10k.
Now they hope to hand over at least £300 to the Trentham-based hospice.
Brian Bennett, Tommy's grandad, was the oldest member of the group.
The 65-year-old, of Knutton Lane, Newcastle, said: "We're running in Tommy's memory but we also want to raise as much as we can for the hospice.
"It is an amazing place and we'd like to be able to help other children who are treated there."
The Treetops 10k is the Donna Louise Trust's biggest fund-raiser of the year and record numbers took part.
The event, which is made up of a 10k and a 5k course, plus a 10k team challenge, had more than 550 entrants.
They included walkers, runners and athletes attracted by the event's qualification as an official road race.
Andrew Tomkinson, aged 32, and Karen Mace, aged 29, ran the 10k because their daughter Hollie Tomkinson is treated at Treetops.
Mr Tomkinson, of Werrington, said: "Hollie has been going to Treetops for almost two years now. She has a lot of problems.
"This is a way for us to give something back. We'd like to hit the £1,000 mark and we're already three quarters of the way there."
PSCO Andy Spooner, pictured below, took to the course dressed as Fred Flintstone.
The 28-year-old, who is based at Longton police station, said: "There was a combination of things that made me want to take part. It is a beautiful route, really well-organised, and for a very good cause.
"I bought the costume a few years ago and I like to get it out from time to time, so I thought why not today?"
The first person to cross the finish line was Chase Harriers runner Nigel Smith, aged 42, from Cannock.
He said: "I managed 5k in 24 minutes and 32 seconds. It was hot and hard, but I'll be back for the 10k next year."
Winner of the 10k race was Darren Perry, of Penkhull.
The 36-year-old, who lives in Penkhull New Road, recorded a time of 37 minutes and eight seconds. He said: "I found it tough but there was a really nice atmosphere."
All those who took part received a T-shirt and medal, and a presentation was held for the race winners to pick up trophies.
The charity's chief executive, Nuala O'Kane, said: "I want to say what a fantastic day it has been and thank everyone for making it such a memorable and uplifting event.
"We get a small amount of funding but really depend on people like these to maintain the hospice."
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