Hundreds take part in Theo’s Glow Run for Sheffield Children’s Hospital

More than 670 runners, more than ever before, descended on Endcliffe Park on Tuesday night and donned everything from Santa hats and elf ears to neon tutus and fairy lights all in aid of The Children’s Hospital Charity.

The event raised more than £32,000 for Sheffield Children’s Hospital, taking the overall total from the festive fun-run to more than £100,000 since it was launched in 2017.

The top fundraising team were awarded with a snowflake on Sheffield Children’s Hospital this Christmas. School Runnings, which featured 36 members of Stocksbridge High School, raised over £4,000.

Among them was the race winner, Phil Banton, 33, who said: “I was really pleased to win, but the money we’ve raised is the most important thing. We’re running tonight for one of our colleagues, Rob Henderson, whose daughter Sophie has been helped by Sheffield Children’s Hospital and I’m delighted by the amount we’ve raised together for them.”

Theo’s Glow Run was kindly sponsored by Henry Boot Construction Limited, who provided each runner with a specially-designed T-shirt. Every participant was also given a commerative medal when crossing the finishing line and a free hot chocolate, courtesy of Endcliffe Park Café.

The theming and lighting for the event was provided by bespoke Sheffield-based event planners Demon Wheelers and the festive fundraising will support the charity appeal for a new Emergency Department at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

It was originally built to see 32,000 patients every 12 months but last year it saw 56,956. Last month, the department saw its busiest-ever day, seeing 263 patients. Across November, it saw more than 200 patients a day on 14 occasions which is considered exceptionally busy.

In addition to the expanded waiting room and clinical space, the redevelopment will also build a dedicated space for children with mental health issues or learning difficulties. For critically-ill patients arriving by ambulance or helicopter, the expansion will also create a much-needed larger resuscitation area.

Event organiser Rachael Thomas said: “Theo’s Glow Run gets bigger every year and it’s fantastic that we’ve managed to break through the £100,000 mark for Sheffield Children’s Hospital this year as more runners than ever before took part.

“It really is one of our highlights of the Christmas calendar and the money raised tonight will help to build a better future for generations of young patients to come, who depend on the excellent care at our Emergency Department.”

To find out how you can help Sheffield Children’s Hospital, visit www.tchc.org.uk