Chris Green MP has announced that he will be running this year’s Rivington Pike Half Marathon and the London Marathon in aid of Derian House Children’s Hospice.
Derian House provides respite and end-of-life care to more than 350 children and young people across the North West, including eight families in the MPs constituency Bolton West and Atherton.
This will be the third time that the MP has run the London Marathon, having raised over £1,000 for Fortalice last year.
Mr Green said: “During my recent visit to Derian House, I heard about the round-the-clock care the staff provide, ensuring every child and young person who requires their support makes the most of the time that they have.
“I’m pleased to announce that I will be running this year’s London Marathon in aid of Derian House Children’s Hospice, to help support the invaluable services that they provide for children and families across the North West.
“Every penny raised will really make a difference to Derian House’s work, so please do sponsor me if you can by visiting my fundraising page.”
Last year, the Bolton West and Atherton MP raised his concerns about the unfair difference in funding between adult’s and children’s hospices across England in the House of Commons.
Adult’s hospices receive 30 per cent of their funding from the NHS centrally and Clinical Commissioning Groups whereas children’s hospices receive much lower, receiving just 15 per cent of their funding from the NHS on average.
It costs Derian House more than £4million to run its services every year, yet the charity receives less than 10 per cent of this from statutory sources, having to rely on the generosity of its supporters.
On welcoming the MP’s announcement, Caroline Taylor, Communications and Marketing Manager for Derian House said: “Our aim is to make sure that we help our young people and their families to make precious memories, in an environment of fun, respect and high quality care.
“We’re thrilled Chris Green has chosen to raise money for us. His support will make a real difference to our children. We wish him the best of luck and will all be cheering him on all the way!”
You can make a donation by visiting - https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ChrisGreenMP.
The Rivington Pike Half Marathon is taking place on 24th March and the London Marathon on the 28th April.
