Riot police runners raised more than £14,000 for us – smashing their fundraising target – after conquering the Market Drayton 10k in their full kit and body armour.

The West Mercia Police team braved the difficult, hot conditions on May 12 to complete the race, raising funds to help us fund our care.

The charity campaign was led by Gary Lansdale, who wanted to fundraise for us while his ex-colleague Lisa McCallister battled ovarian cancer.

Lisa, who received care from us, died from the illness two months before they took on the challenge.

Gary met with our matron Clare Gregory and fundraising officer Mike Perry at our Telford hospice to present a cheque for £14,000.57.

“We set out with a £5,000 target so the fact that we raised almost triple our original target is absolutely brilliant,” said Gary. “I’m really grateful for the support we have received from everyone – family, friends, colleagues and even people we don’t know.

“Severn Hospice is a fantastic charity and I was pleased to be able to hand over this amount and hope it helps go some way to making a difference to the quality of lives of those in need and their loved ones.”

Mike said: “Well done to Gary and his team for not only completing the Market Drayton 10k kitted out their riot gear but for raising such an incredible amount of money for us.

“We really appreciate their support and it’s lovely that they chose to do something like this in support of their dear friend Lisa; I’m sure she would be immensely proud of their efforts.”

To help raise the funds for our care, Gary and fellow bobbies joined in with a host of fundraising ideas including raffles and cake sales.

It’s not the first time he’s raised money for us – he donated his wages away from his Boxing Day shift and completed last year’s Market Drayton 10k solo in police uniform.

Mike added: “If anyone would like to run for Severn Hospice this year – without having to wear heavy riot gear – we have places for a number of half and full marathons.

“Your support will mean we can continue to offer care and emotional support to families living with incurable illnesses in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales.”

Upcoming running events include the Chester Marathon, Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon and Shrewsbury Half Marathon.

For more information or to register click here.