THREE members of staff at Wigan and Leigh Hospice have signed up to run the first Leigh Community 10k to raise funds for the charity.

Dr Paul Selway, Rose Davis and Sarah Owens will all be taking part in the new town centre race from 9.30am on Sunday, August 13.

The Hindley-based hospice is the official partner charity for the event.

A portion of the entry fees will go to the hospice and participants are also being encouraged to raise money for it through sponsorship.

All funds raised for the hospice will go towards the Counting on Care appeal to help pay for the cost of modernising the hospice’s Inpatient Unit and making it dementia friendly.

Dr Selway, 45, one of the physicians at the hospice, said: “I signed up as it is really good value for a 10k and to support the hospice, of course, as we are the partner charity.

"I started running in January 2016 and have averaged around two or three runs a week since.

"I did the Manchester 10k last year so this will be my second race.

"I really hope to get below 50 minutes.”

Rose, 57, who manages manages its Hospice in your Home service, said: “I do the Parkrun in St Helens most weeks and I have done 10k runs before, but I signed up to the Leigh Community 10k to support and raise awareness of the work done at the hospice.

“I started running about three-and-a-half years ago and had never run before, but now I feel so much fitter and healthier.

"I am hoping to cross the finish line in under an hour.”

Sarah Owens, 41, ran the Wigan Half Marathon for the hospice in March, raising £635.

The palliative care education lead for the hospice said: “After running the half marathon I wanted to run again, and when I saw that the Leigh Community 10k proceeds were going towards the hospice I decided to sign up.

“I run once a week and I try to run at least six miles when I do.

"At the moment it is taking me just over an hour but I am hoping that on the day I will be able to do it in under an hour, if I keep on training.”

The flat course is sure to appeal to runners who want to get a fast time.

There will be live music and entertainment to enjoy on the day,

To join the trio in signing up for the race visit leigh10k.co.uk.