Bluebell Wood inspires Chris to run first ever half marathon

5th March 2018

A wish to do something for children facing tougher times than his own has inspired Chris Mason from Sheffield to run his first ever half marathon.

Chris (27) who lives in Harthill, will be running the Sheffield Half Marathon in April in support of Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, the charity that supports children and young adults with life-shortening and life-threatening conditions A team leader with Interserve Learning and Employment, Chris has become familiar with South Yorkshire's only children's hospice through his employer, which regularly supports Bluebell Wood with volunteer days and fundraising events. Chris will be taking on one of the most scenic half marathon routes in the UK when he runs from the city centre out into the Peak District and back. He is currently running three or four times a week in training for the big day. Chris said: -I want to run the half marathon to raise money for children and young adults that don't have the opportunity to do something like this. Having children myself, I've realised just how fortunate many of us are and how important it is to help families dealing with really difficult circumstances. Working at Interserve has helped me understand the amazing support that Bluebell Wood gives families facing the toughest of times. -I'm currently doing eight mile runs during the week and then one 12 or 13 mile run at the weekend. I'm aiming to finish the half marathon in one hour 35 minutes. I originally set a fundraising target of £100 for Bluebell Wood, but have already had more than that in donations, so am hoping it will go much higher. Gail Parkin, Community Fundraiser, Bluebell Wood, said: -It's great to hear Chris has been motivated to run through his experiences with Bluebell Wood and we can't wait to see how he gets on. The half marathon is a fantastic opportunity to see the sights of Sheffield and the Peak District and challenge yourself in 2018. We'd love to see lots of people on the start line in the Bluebell Wood vest, because every penny raised really will make all the difference to our families. You can enter the Sheffield Half Marathon at www.runforall.com/events/half-marathon/sheffield-half-marathon/ where you can also select Bluebell Wood as your charity. To sponsor Chris' run visit his Justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-mason28