This Sunday 1st September, a dedicated team of North Wales Police officers and PCSOs, known as the ‘Blue Light Runners’ took on the Altrincham 10K to raise funds for The Christie Charity.

This group of colleagues, mainly from the Wrexham area, is rallying together to support their friends and loved ones currently being treated for cancer, with proceeds going towards The Christie Charity’s vital work.

Alison Heron, a PCSO from Wrexham who has lived in North Wales all her life, spearheaded the fundraising campaign. Alison, who enjoys running and has completed several 10K races in the past, was inspired to take on this challenge after learning that her colleague Lara Shiers’ twin sister Anna Martland had been diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer and was receiving treatment at The Christie hospital.

Alison approached Lara with the idea of running the Altrincham 10K and raising funds for The Christie Charity. Lara agreed, and the two soon gathered a team of like-minded colleagues to join them.

The other members of The Blue Light Runners are Sofia Dewberry, Susan Lawrence, Gwen Jones, Jamie Organ, Stephen Howsam, Gareth Jones, John Davies, and Katie Roberts.

Several of the team have family members who have received treatment at The Christie, including Sofia Dewberry. Sofia’s mum, a former PCSO colleague Robina Ahmed, retired early after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, so Sofia decided to join the running team.

To boost their fundraising efforts, the Blue Light Runners also hosted a cake sale on Friday 30th August, at Llay Police Station, with all proceeds going to The Christie Charity.

“My mum had bowel cancer and before she passed away, she spent time at Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham,” explained Alison. “I remember how grateful I was that she was able to stay there and feel welcome. It’s so important to keep fundraising going to ensure that other families can receive the treatment and care they need. Supporting Anna, Robina, and The Christie Charity is our way of giving back. They are the strongest and most courageous women we know!”

Alison Heron is fundraising for the Christie Charity more information can be found at justgiving.com

Alicia Gaffey, mass participation events co-ordinator at The Christie Charity, says: “’We are incredibly grateful to the Blue Light Runners team for their commitment and dedication. Every step they take in the Altrincham 10K helps us continue to provide vital care and support to our patients and their families. We wish them the best of luck in their race, and we’re cheering them on every step of the way!'”