Runners honour mum with record hospice fundraiser

A team of runners who took on the Wakefield Hospice 10k in memory of a mum-of-two who died from cancer have collectively raised the highest amount in the event's 29-year history.

Debbie Holland, who died last month, was determined to raise money for the hospice that she knew would care for her after she was told the disease was incurable in October.

More than 200 family members, friends and work colleagues took part in the race, raising over £31,000 for the charity - more than 10 times their original £3,000 target.

Close friend Lisa Binks said: "Debs wanted to make some good out of the situation she found herself and her family in, and do something that would hopefully make a difference."

Wakefield Hospice said the team's fundraising total was not only the largest ever raised by a single group in the event's history, but had also "significantly contributed" to pushing overall donations from this year's race to a record-breaking £200,000.

Debbie, who was born in Horbury and lived in Ossett, was first diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2024 and months later, after treatment, showed no evidence of disease.

However, a year later she found out the cancer had spread and was incurable.

Determined to make a difference, Debbie, who had previously raised funds for cancer charities, was keen to support Wakefield Hospice.

What began as a small idea quickly gathered momentum, with hundreds of people signing up to take part in the Run for Debs challenge.

Lisa said: "Debbie asked me to take a lead with organising a team and the fundraising, having run the 10k myself for a number of years.

"Little did I appreciate how big it would grow and how much support we'd receive."

Wearing bright green T-shirts, runners were joined by Debbie's daughters Libby, nine, and Sophie, 14, who also took part in the 1k and 5k runs on 22 March.

The girls were supported by dozens of friends and team-mates from their football club, Ossett Town Juniors.

Lisa added: "It's truly been a privilege to do this in Debbie's name.

"Debs just loved people, she loved helping others and I will be forever grateful she gave me this opportunity to do her proud."