RUNNERS who have missed out on a general entry place in next year’s Bath Half Marathon now have an alternative way of taking part.

They are being offered the opportunity to sign up and run for The Forever Friends Appeal, the fundraising charity of the Royal United Hospitals (RUH) in Bath.

The Appeal has a limited number of charity places still available for the race, which takes place on Sunday, March 4 2018.

Laura Pearce, Senior Events Fundraiser, The Forever Friends Appeal, said: “If you’re interested in running one of the best half’s in the country (and our local!), then join our team today.

“By running for the RUH, every step you take will help support patients when they need it most. The money you raise will make it possible for us to fund additional equipment, research and innovations, as well as finishing touches and extras that go above and beyond what standard NHS funding can provide.

“When you join our team, you can choose to support any ward or department that’s close to your heart or one of our major projects – RUH Cancer Care Campaign or RNHRD and Therapies Centre.”

Kathryn French, 34, from Hilperton, said:“I’ve signed up to run for The Forever Friends Appeal in the 2018 Bath Half to say thank you to the staff at the RUH for being there for my family in our hours of need.

“They gave incredible care to my mum who suddenly passed away earlier this year, two days after I’d run this year’s Bath Half.

“My mum only spent 24 hours in the Critical Care Unit at the RUH. I sat by her bedside during this time, and watched all the incredible staff go about their daily tasks. They were all so kind and attentive and even let my dad and I stay the night in a room next to the ward.

“In what was the worst 24 hours, they tirelessly saw to our every need and kept us well informed right until the precious end.

“It was these incredible people that prompted me to sign up for the 2018 Bath Half and I will be honoured to wear my vest with pride on the day and hopefully raise the much needed funds to help give something back to the Critical Care Unit at the RUH.”

To run for The Forever Friends Appeal, places cost £35 and runners will need to raise a minimum sponsorship of £175.

Laura Pearce said: “All team members will receive a free RUH running vest, a fundraising pack with advice, tips and a sponsorship form as well as training support and the biggest cheers and encouragement on the day to help you cross the finish line.”

To run for The Forever Friends Appeal sign up at www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk/events/bath-half-marathon or contact the Appeal’s Events Office on 01225 821535.