THE son of a man who died in the Southend Half Marathon will be setting runners on their way at this year’s event.

George Palmer will be sounding the klaxon to start this year’s event on Sunday – just a year after his dad Nick Palmer, 37, died just minutes after crossing the finish line.

More than 2,500 people will be taking part in the 13.1-mile run in aid of Havens Hospices, which is themed Celebrate Running, Celebrate Life, and will be dedicated to Nick.

Aminute-long applause will be held at the start of the race in memory of Nick, before his son sends runners on their way.

In a statement, Nick’s parents, Linda and Alan, said: “Nick was a much-loved dad, son, brother, partner and friend and it has been a very painful year for the whole family and his friends. We miss Nick terribly.

“It will be an emotional day for us all, but we want to celebrate Nick’s life and his passion for running.

“He ran his first marathon in 2010 in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. He was inspired by the great care they gave to his son George.

“He loved running and had taken part in many full and half marathons and running events and had even trained people. We take great comfort knowing that he died doing something that he loved.”

Nick of Shoebury Road, Great Wakering, was a member of Southend Flyers Running Club, and worked in IT at HM Customs and Excise, in Victoria Road, Southend.

He collapsed shortly after finishing last year’s event and could not be revived.

Judy Grocott, events manager for Havens Hospices, said: “Nick’s death after last year’s race was a tragedy and, with the blessing of his family, we want to celebrate Nick’s life and his love of running this year.

“After the minute-long applause George will sound the klaxon and set runners off in waves at 9.30, 9.32 and 9.34am.

“The route is fully marshalled with 13 water stations and additional sponge stations.

“The atmosphere this year will be slightly different as we remember Nick, but with so many runners expected, it really will be a celebration of Nick’s life and running.”

There is still a chance to sign up for the run with runners even able to sign up on the day from 7.30am until 9am.

There will be a tiered start, with the first participants setting off from Shoebury East Beach at 9.30am.

For more information, or to register, go to www.havens hospices.org.uk/southendhalf or call Judy on 01702 220324. 

Seafront to mark 20th anniversary

IT will be the 20th anniversary of the 13.1 mile run organised by Havens Hospices.

More than 20,000 people have taken part since its inception in 1995 when it was originally named the Jim Peters’ Southend Half Marathon in memory of the former marathon world record holder, who lived in Thorpe Bay.

It was organised by running club the Vestall Vergins, but when the club closed, the organisation of the event was passed to Havens Hospices, which has always been the benefactor of sponsorship from the event.

The Southend Half Marathon is now one of the hospice’s biggest fundraising events, with last year’s making a record £125,000 for the charity, which incorporates Fair Havens for adults and Little Havens for children and provides respite, symptom management and end-of-life care to those with life limiting conditions throughout Essex.