Supporters turned out in the dark to raise funds for children and their families.

Hope House Children’s Hospices held their first Chirk Castle Dark Run on Saturday.

Runners signed up to follow a 4k/2k route around the grounds of Chirk Castle - in the dark.

People came dressed in all things neon, complete with head torches to raise funds.

Every runner received a foam glow stick to wave along the route and once across the finishing line, they also received a unique glow in the dark Chirk Castle Dark Run medal designed especially for the event.

Goody bags were also handed out by volunteers containing goodies donated from local supermarkets and businesses.

Thanks to sponsorship from locals businesses, every penny raised at the event will go directly towards caring for the children at Hope House and Ty Gobaith.

Cat Dowdeswell, area fundraiser and event organiser, said: “Every year, Hope House Children’s Hospices must raise in excess of £6.5 million and events like the Dark Run are fabulous in uniting communities and businesses to support local families who so desperately need our services.

“Without sponsorship from these companies, we couldn’t put on such successful events and it’s been so reassuring to hear local businesses say yes when we have approached them for support. We cannot thank them enough”.

Every week, three local families face their biggest fear and their child dies. Tragically, Hope House can currently only afford to help one of those families. Their fervent belief is that no one should suffer the death of a child alone, and need events like this to make this a reality.

At the centre of the Dark Run was The Parry family who have shared their Hope House story in the hope that more people will understand how fundamental the services at Hope House and Ty Gobaith are.

‘Team Mia’ were wearing their Mia T shirts and siblings Liam, Caiden and Kyle were there to celebrate her life.

Their sister Mia passed away in November 2018 aged just four-years-old. The family has received support from Hope House Children’s Hospices throughout Mia’s life and continue to do so today. “I dread to think what it would have been like if Hope House wasn’t there”, mum Martine said. “It’s been wonderful seeing so many people come out in support of Hope House”.

Liam Parry started the Dark Run with a 10 second countdown, then headed off at pace, to run the race in memory of his sister.

The Chirk Dark Run is set to be a great success and has already raised over £8,000 for Hope House Children’s Hospices.

The long standing sister event is being held on Saturday, October 26 at the Telford Town Park.