Hundreds of people have put their best foot forward to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.
The organisation’s first ever 5K took place on Saturday (July 29th) in Sutton Coldfield.
Children, parents, grandparents and dog walkers took part in the Big Sleuth sponsored stroll before enjoying bear-themed events.
The final Big Sleuth bear – Bearhug – was also unveiled by the family of five-year-old Carter Chatting who was cared for at the hospital.
After being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in January 2016, the Chatting family, including mum Lucy, dad Matthew and their children, Monica and Carter, all turned to fundraising to say thank you for his care.
Lucy, 45, said: “Carter has been receiving chemotherapy treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital for the past 18 months and while his prognosis so far is good, the worry never goes away and having a poorly child really is every parent’s worst nightmare.
“The oncology team at Birmingham Children’s Hospital are simply amazing and we’ve turned to fundraising to not only help Carter’s plight, but so many other children battling an illness too. We’re so proud of Carter for completing the 5k walk and playing his part in the wonderful bear unveiling. It was a real honour to get involved.”
Designed by artist Rob Bannon and Director of Wild in Art, Charlie Langhorne, Bearhug has now joined his furry friends on The Big Sleuth trail at New Street Station.
Annie Eytle, acting events and regional fundraising manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with the turnout for our very first Fun Family 5 event and would like to say a huge thank you to our incredible supporters, like the Chatting family, for making the day such a huge success.
“Every year, our hospital treats over 90,000 children and young people from across the country and the money our Fun Family 5 participants have raised will make a huge difference to each and every one of our sick kids, ensuring we can continue to be the world-class hospital that everyone knows and loves.”
Fun Family 5 donations can still be made by texting SLEUTH to 70007 to give £3 (standard network rates apply).
