A Wirral park was filled with laughter and love as 700 people joined the Claire Bear 3K, raising a record-breaking £22,000 for Claire House Children’s Hospice.
The event, which returned for a third year on Sunday, June 22, saw families come together to remember loved ones, support children in hospice care, and celebrate the lifeline that Claire House provides.
Children and families ran, some hand in hand, while others scooted or strolled side by side, proudly wearing Claire Bear ears and T-shirts.
They received bear-shaped medals as they stepped, toddled or rolled across the finish line, ready to show them off in school this week.
Before the 3K began, Birkenhead Park buzzed with excitement. Children played with giant bubbles, had their faces painted and posed for photos with the charity’s Claire Bear mascot.
The Wirral Samba Band added rhythm, while volunteer stewards lined the route, clapping and cheering everyone on.
Mum Vicky Robinson from Connah’s Quay was taking part with her nine-year-old daughter Ella.
She said:
“Claire House has helped us since losing our baby Elsie in 2020. We were offered counselling and Ella has been supported through sibling events and residentials. She’s had fun and made lots of friends.
“Claire House is a bittersweet family to be part of. This is our way of giving something back to them.”
This year’s event was the biggest yet, bringing together people of all ages and abilities.
Despite not being able to walk, five-year-old Luke Tickle from Ellesmere Port led his brothers Jacob, 11, and Dylan, six, round the park in his chair.
Jacob said:
“We wanted to raise money to support Claire House because they help my brother Luke. They also do sibling groups and residentials. We really enjoy them.
“If it wasn’t for Claire House, we wouldn’t be able to go on fun trips with other brothers and sisters.”
Among those taking part was Chelsea Dawson and daughter Hallie, three. They were fundraising in memory of Ava Harris from Wallasey.
Chelsea said:
“Claire House has been a rock for our family. They were there for us all throughout and they’ve supported our family ever since.
“We fundraise throughout the year, and we wanted to do the Claire Bear 3K for Ava.”
Event Fundraiser Mark Pearson said:
“Claire House exists because of the support of people in the community, so it was great to see so many toddlers, children and young people taking part, supporting their local children’s hospice.
“It was a fantastic atmosphere, and every child got a medal too, while every penny raised goes to Claire House so we can continue to be there for seriously and terminally ill babies, children and young adults in our community.”
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