FUNDRAISERS and Dorset Cancer Centre staff are encouraging Dorset residents to show their support for the Daily Echo-backed Poole Festival of Running.

Those who took part in the London Marathon in April this year for Poole Hospital Charity collectively raised around £6,000 for the good cause, made up of donations from friends and family.

Along with staff from Poole Hospital, where the centre is based, they are calling on people from across the county to donate or sign up to the running event being held on Sunday, June 1, in Poole Park.

The London Marathon runners will also be officially launching the children’s Minithons event on the day, which will see young people aged eight to 14 take on a one-mile or 1.5-mile course.

Karen Bew, Brachytherapy superintendent at Poole Hospital, who herself has received treatment for cancer, said: “Last year, we got a group of people together including radiographers and staff from the Dorset Cancer Centre to take part.

“I also led the process last year to buy things for the centre, using the donations, which would help patients, including TVs and DVD players for the waiting rooms.

“Another thing we bought was an observation monitor, so if a patient is feeling un-well or whatever, we can just keep a check on their blood pressure, or their heart rate and so on.”

The deadline for applications has been extended until May 25, at 7pm. Other races featuring in the event include the Poole 10k Race, The Dorset Cancer Centre 5k supported by Daily Echo, and the Children’s Under-Eight’s Fun Run.

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