CHILDREN with terminal illnesses are to be helped when hundreds of runners step out for the first annual Butterwick Hospice 5K Fun Run.

It is hoped at least 1,000 people will take part in the race on Teesside in August - in an attempt to raise more than £20,000 for the Stockton charity.

The event will be held in conjunction with the Stockton Show at Preston Park, in Eaglescliffe, on Sunday, August 26, and will take in country paths and cycle ways to make it more enjoyable.

For those unsure of their fitness levels, a training programme will be featured in The Northern Echo every two weeks to help people get in shape.

Race director Phil Barker said thousands of people were signed up to do the Race for Life 5K fun runs during the coming weeks, which raise money for cancer research.

However, he said their good work need not stop there.

"I want to throw a challenge out to all those people in the North-East who are taking part in the Race for Life fun runs in June, or, indeed, runners unable to gain entry into these over-subscribed events.

"Don't throw all that hard-earned fitness away after the June run - carry on with your training and come and join what will be a great day out in Preston Park in aid of the Butterwick Children's Hospice.

"Butterwick Hospice relies on the generosity of the local communities and businesses of the North-East for most of its funding.

"Out of a budget of approximately £800,000 in the current financial year, it receives less than three per cent from statutory bodies.

"The support of the local community is vital to allow us to continue to provide care to some very special children."

The course will start and finish in Preston Park, and the race is open to joggers and walkers.

Every finisher will receive an official fun run T-shirt and all those who take part will gain free access to the main show area.

People can complete the entry form on this page and send it to Butterwick Hospice Fundraising Office, Middlefield Road, Stockton, TS19 8XN, or call 01642-607742.