THE Mells 10K will take place in October to raise money for CLIC Sargent in memory of local lad Ben Crutchley.
The 10km course takes participants on two laps through the grounds of the Mells Park estate and can be completed either on bike, by running or walking.
The fundraising event is in honour of Ben Crutchley, a nine-year-old boy who died of a brain tumour in 2012.
Following his death, Ben’s family, who live in Newbury near Frome, pledged to raise £1million for CLIC Sargent, the charity that supported them through his illness. So far they have raised £269,000.
The Mells 10K is one of many events that the family have organised to help them achieve this target and now in its fourth year, it has contributed £42,000 of the total amount raised. “We are hoping to raise at least £8,000 this year to help push the Mells 10K over the £50,000 mark,” said Ben’s mother Su.
About the support offered to them by CLIC Sargent during Ben’s illness, Ben’s father Nigel said, “Our CLIC Sargent nurses, Sally and Ally, provided so much more than just medical advice. They guided us through telling Ben’s older brother Luke about what was happening, explained to us about the effects of radio and chemotherapy, helped us to navigate the never-ending NHS maze, and supported us through some of the darkest hours anyone can imagine, but most importantly they were there for Ben.
“Ten families each day in the UK are told that their child has cancer – that’s ten more families like mine who will desperately need the help of CLIC Sargent.”
The event starts at 10am on Saturday 14th October at Mells Recreation Ground. To find out more about the run or Ben’s story, go to www.mells10k.com.
CLIC Sargent is a charity that provides clinical, practical, financial and emotional support to children and young people with cancer, and their families.