Hundreds take part in Wearside run to raise cash for our Armed Forces

More than 300 people took part in the 5k People’s Run 2 Remember yesterday at Silksworth Sports Complex in Sunderland.

This is the third year the run has been organised by Claire Douglas.

Mum-of-one Claire, who lives in Silksworth, took home the Fundraiser of the Year Award at last year’s Best of Wearside Awards for her work in organising the race to support a number of charities including the RAF Benevolent Fund.

She said: “It was absolutely brilliant, we had in the region of 300 people take part, with our youngest runner being just three years old.

“Everyone has had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed it, I’m just reading all of the Facebook messages now and looking at all of the pictures.”

The race was held for the first time in 2014 in honour of Claire’s niece Jade Outhwaite, who serves in the Army.

It aims to provide an easy way to say thanks to those who work in the Services.

Claire, who also leads running group Soul Sisters, said: “At the time there were no other runs in our area to support Armed Forces charities.

“So I decided to organise one myself, I was mainly spurred on because my niece Jade is serving with the British Army.

“I thought at the time maybe 50 people might turn out, but here we are with more than 300 and it’s now the biggest of its type within the country.

“I’m not sure how much cash has been raised just yet, I will hopefully know by the end of the week once all of the sponsorship cash has been paid in.”

Claire has also confirmed that the event will now take place every year.

She said: “It’s now going to be annual event and take place every year.

“The last few times I’d said ‘I’m not doing it again’, but it worth it when you see how much people enjoy it how much is raised for the charities.”

The run also supports the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity and Scotty’s Little Soldiers.