HUNDREDS of fundraisers joined a half marathon event to raise almost £50,000 for a hospice charity.

The virtual Havens Hospices Southend Half Marathon raised a total of £48,900 last weekend.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the charity this year asked supporters to clock up 13.1 miles anywhere, in one or more runs.

More than 500 runners signed up to take part in the event sponsored by the Underfloor Heating Store, to run half marathons closer to home across Essex and other parts of the country – with one participant even running in the USA. Everyone who completed their 13.1 miles will receive a special commemorative medal.

Jane Hopkins, Voluntary Income Team Leader and organiser of the event at Havens Hospices said: “We can’t thank everyone enough for supporting the virtual format of this year’s event and helping us to raise such an incredible amount of money for hospice care.

“We know the running conditions were tough this weekend with temperatures close to 30c but every showed such perseverance.”