The Forever Friends Appeal, the fundraising charity for the Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Bath, has exclusive places available in the sold-out Bath Half 2019 and is inviting local people to join their team.

The Bath Half is a fast and flat half-marathon, which is taking place on Sunday, 17th March. The route has two laps on both sides of the River Avon, with runners starting and finishing in Great Pulteney Street, right in the heart of the World Heritage City of Bath, the RUH’s home city.

Maddy Jones, Senior Events Fundraiser, The Forever Friends Appeal, said:“Help us make a difference next year by running for us, The Forever Friends Appeal.

Your sponsorship pledge will support thousands of patients and their families at the RUH, at a time when they need it most.

“We’ve already had 43 of the Trust’s staff register, who are being joined by local people with their own reasons to run – you can read about some of these on our social media accounts. When you take on this 13.1-mile challenge, you can choose to fundraise for one of our major campaigns, special appeals or an area in the hospital that is close to your heart.”

Bath resident, Simon Lingard, Project Manager at the RUH, has shared his reason to run. He said: “I have joined The Forever Friends Appeal team as I see the difference that donations make and the benefits that fundraising has on transforming our hospital to provide the highest quality care for our patients.

“Next year will be my fifth time taking part in seven years. It’s a personal challenge to try and beat my personal best year on year, which doesn’t always work! But, I also enjoy the sense of ‘team’ in the run-up to the half marathon, they are really supportive, especially on the day itself.”

The fundraising events team will provide runners with a Team RUH running vest, as well as a fundraising and training pack. The Forever Friends Appeal team will also be there on the day to provide all the support you need – before, during and after. This will include a hero’s reception at the charity’s cheer points and birthday-themed celebrations in the charity’s marquee in the Runners’ Village, to tie in with the Appeal’s 20th Anniversary.

To register and join the team, visit: www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk and search for ‘Bath Half 2019’, or visit the events tab on the Appeal’s website.