Marathon runners and daredevils wanted for hospice fundraising challenges

The hospice has launched its most ambitious events programme yet, with opportunities for every fitness level and sense of adventure.

Places are available in several running events throughout 2026, including the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris in April, Cannock Chase Half Marathon, Birmingham Running Festival and Staffordshire Endurance Festival.

Anyone who has already secured a place in the London Marathon, AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run, Sutton Coldfield Fun Run or Great North Run is also encouraged to fundraise for St Giles.

Beyond running, the hospice is recruiting participants for tandem skydives and wing walks during 2026. For those seeking epic adventures, there are places available for hiking Snowdon by Night, an Everest Base Camp Trek and a 10 day cycle through Rajasthan, India.

Ashleigh Mills, Fundraising Development Manager at St Giles Hospice, said: "Whether you want to run a marathon, jump out of a plane or trek to Everest Base Camp, 2026 is the perfect time to challenge yourself while making a real difference to local people, and their loved ones, living with terminal illnesses. Every pound raised helps us continue providing the specialist care our community needs, free of charge, at the most difficult of times."

The charity, which provides specialist end of life care across Staffordshire, North Birmingham and surrounding areas, is calling on the local community to sign up for a challenge and help raise funds for care that costs close to £10 million a year to deliver.

The hospice relies on community fundraising for more than three quarters of its income. In 2024, it was forced to make 23 staff redundant and reduce bed capacity from 23 to 15 beds due to financial pressures.

Anyone interested in taking part should email fundraising@stgileshospice.com, call 01543 434751 or visit stgileshospice.com/events for more details.