SOUTHAMPTON Hospital Charity will continue to be the lead local charity for the ABP Southampton Marathon.

The charity has had runners take part at every race since it began in 2015, and it will continue its partnership with the marathon for the next three years.

The charity had 220 runners taking part in the event’s four distances last year, raising a total of £38,000 between them.

The Southampton Hospital Charity also earned an extra £500 with support from the hospital’s finance department and the Nursing Society from the University of Southampton, which provided volunteer marshals on the route.

Judith Stephens, events and community fundraising manager, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to really engage with our local community, many of whom have personal connections to our hospital services.

“Since the event first started it has proven to be very popular, not just for our charity supporters, but also for the city of Southampton as a whole.

“It keeps getting bigger and better each year, and we are thrilled the partnership is continuing.”

The Southampton Hospital Charity works with the local community to raise funds for University Hospital Southampton that are beyond the NHS resources. Last year, the charity focused on the Children’s Emergency and Trauma Department Appeal, which needs £2m to complete the build.

Fundraising events have included quiz nights, cycle rides and even rowing from Jersey to Southampton.

Kate Warne, community liaison officer at ReesLeisure, which organised the marathon, said: “Southampton Hospital Charity has been fantastic to work with over the past year, and has wholeheartedly joined in with all aspects of the event. We have enjoyed being able to support the Children’s Emergency Department Appeal, and are delighted to be able to continue to help highlight the numerous projects that Southampton Hospital Charity raise funds for.”

The 2019 ABP Southampton Marathon will be held on May 5, with all races starting and finishing in the city centre.