A TEAM from Chapelford-based Claire Sky Marketing ran the Manchester 10k at the weekend to support St Rocco’s Hospice.

The team completed the run in an hour, raising more than £450.

The hospice is very close to the company's heart as managing director Claire Briars’ best friend Helen sadly passed away last year, aged 45, from ovarian cancer.

Helen left behind a husband and two children.

The support provided by St Rocco’s both before and after Helen’s death inspired Claire to help the charity raise much needed funds.

Claire said: “St Rocco’s Hospice were amazing with Helen, they provided vital care, support and compassion throughout her illness right through to the very end both for her, and her loved ones.

"Their dedication and sensitivity was truly inspiring, so much so, I wanted to show my gratitude after witnessing first-hand what a difference they made for Helen and her family.

"I miss Helen every day and I’m proud that we have been able to support this fantastic charity in her beloved memory.”

St Rocco’s fundraising manager Rachel Ingham said: “We’d like to say a huge congratulations and thank you to the team at Claire Sky Marketing and all of our runners who took part in the Great Manchester Run on Sunday.

"Events like these are a great way for people to support patient care at St Rocco’s Hospice and enable those in our community with life limiting illness to make every day count."