Midshire put best feet forward for Francis House

Staff from Stockport office technology provider Midshire^® have taken part in the Great Manchester Run to support Francis House Children’s Hospice, raising a total of £616 for the charity.

Midshire ran as guests of the Kirsty Club, the fundraising legacy of the remarkable Kirsty Howard who was given just weeks to live when aged four, but went on to raise millions for charity.

The recent attack at the Manchester Arena that claimed the lives of 22 people left uncertainty as to whether the event would even go ahead, but just two days before the event it was announced that the run would proceed as planned.

Runners in the 10k event started on Portland Street in Manchester, ran down past the Old Trafford Stadium and finished at Deansgate, whilst the Half Marathon challengers continued an extra 7 miles up past the Etihad Stadium.

Technical Team Leader at Midshire, John Starkey comments:

“I think I can speak for the whole of team Midshire when I say that in light of the recent Manchester attack we were all spurred on to dig deep in solidarity and finish in good time. It was such a fantastic atmosphere and it was really amazing to be a part of.”

The Great Run Company launched the Manchester 10k in 2002 following the success of the Manchester Commonwealth Games. The pace of popularity has since certified the run as the largest of its kind in Europe, attracting more than 40,000 participants annually.

John continues:

“It comes as no surprise that this run was difficult. It’s always so daunting when you start, but the amazing sense of achievement once you’ve finished makes it so worthwhile, and I did my personal best which is brilliant!”

A local charity based in Didsbury, Manchester, Francis House was officially opened in 1991 by the late Princess Diana to provide a wide range of services to families caring for children with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses. The charity offers homecare, respite care, end of life care, and bereavement support services. 

As a continued supporter of Francis House, Midshire also championed a world record breaking football match back in 2014, which lasted for 72 hours and raised an impressive £45,195 for the charity.