KIND-HEARTED fundraisers at Birmingham Airport took part in a midnight run down the runway and raised £15,000 for Acorns Children’s Hospice.
More than 120 staff and their family and friends braved the cold and wet conditions to tackle the three kilometres runway, which was specifically closed for the charity run.
Between them, they raised more than £15,000 to help pay for the vital services Acorns provides to children and their families across the Midlands.
Andy Holding, corporate responsibility manager at the Airport, said: “We’ve partnered with Acorns Children’s Hospice for ten years and it’s a charity that’s become very close to the hearts of many of our employees.
“We knew people would be excited by the prospect of running the length of the runway – it’s not the sort of thing you get to do every day, after all.
“It costs Acorns £7,000 a day to run their services and with the money we’ve raised we can pay for two days care – something we’re extremely proud to be able to do.
“I would like to thank all those who took part and all those who supported them with their sponsorship.”
Amanda Smallman, senior fundraising manager for corporate and community at Acorns, said: “The Runway Run has to be one of the most unusual ways for supporters to raise money for Acorns – and in freezing temperatures too.
“The determination and commitment of participants is wonderful.”
Airport chief executive officer Nick Barton was joined on the runway by Richard Gill, who took the title of top fundraiser with an impressive total of £1,775, to hand over a cheque to Acorns’ corporate fundraising manager Natalia Keene.