More than 50 new and experienced runners pounded the streets of Brentwood when they joined the LV= Brentwood Half Marathon in support of Saint Francis Hospice.

It is hoped the runners who took part in the 34th Brentwood Half Marathon on Sunday 22nd March have raised more than £15,000 for Saint Francis Hospice.

Eleven of the hospice runners used the half marathon as preparation for next month’s London Marathon, which they are running for the hospice.

Among them was Jack Baxter, from Pilgrims Hatch, whose Dad Dave received hospice care in 2013.

He was joined by brother George - back for a break from Harvard University, and Soccer Saturday colleague Sam Binnall.

Jack said: “It was good and encouraging that I made it round in a good time with only five weeks to go until the London Marathon.

"Dad was impressed with the level of care the hospice gave him and my family and I are forever grateful to Saint Francis Hospice for the extra time we got to spend with Dad.”

Husband and wife Lewis and Amy Peck, from Stapleford Abbotts, and their friend Matthew Tynan, from Romford, also took part and Amy said: “This was the hardest warm up for the London Marathon we have done.”

Many of the hospice runners have had someone close to them receive hospice care, including Taxi Driver Kevin Nicholas, from Hornchurch, whose Mum was cared for as an inpatient before she sadly died last year.

Kevin, who was joined by his brother-in-law Paul Snook, said: “I started doing running when Mum was ill as it was a way to relax and this was my first organised run.”

Colleagues from Barclays Brentwood also joined the run and first home for them and the hospice was Steve Read in 1hr 23 mins.

Hospice volunteer Carol Yusef, who helps in the library, ran with son Thomas.

Other runners included Jamie Finch, whose Mum Gail works in the hospice Occupational Therapy team and Rebecca Court, whose Mum Pam is Chief Executive.

Both Jamie and Rebecca are set to take part in the London Marathon.

Anne Brown, Hospice’s Head of Fundraising said: “Thank you to everyone who ran the LV=Brentwood Half Marathon, on behalf of Saint Francis Hospice and to Brentwood à Becket Rotary Club, who organise the event and support the hospice as a beneficiary of the event.

"Our runners truly deserved their medals and the money raised will make a difference to local people affected by cancer or life-limiting illness who need the specialist care our medical team provides.”