OFFICIAL 2011 CHARITIES

We are pleased to announce Force and Hospiscare and Official 2011 charities.

Force is a Devon based charity committed to people whose lives are affected by cancer. Originally set up in 1987 to fund local cancer research, the Charity has expanded to serve the rapidly changing world of cancer services at a local level. Why local Simply because anyone diagnosed with cancer deserves the best possible treatment and professional support close to home.

In September 2004 FORCE opened a purpose built cancer support centre in the grounds of the RD&E Hospital. The Centre is open five days a week and offers a whole range of non-clinical cancer support services. Despite moving into supportive care, research remains a very important part of our work. FORCE funded research is now carried out by the Peninsula Medical School and the Charity has recently agree to fund two more studentships at a cost of £135,000 over three years. FORCE funded research is currently focussed on lung and ovarian cancers.

Apart from research and support for patients and their families, FORCE has helped fund a new generation of equipment. Anyone treated for cancer locally is likely to benefit from equipment provided by the Charity at a total cost of over £2 million.

None of the above would be possible without the huge amount of support we receive from local people. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the organisers of the Great West Run for selecting FORCE as one of their chosen charities and to also thank our runners for helping to raise much needed funds to continue our work.

Click here to view Force website

"When your life changes, what Hospiscare does is help you find another part of you to cope. It's not about dying, it's about living..."

Hospiscare is the only local charity supporting patients with terminal illness in Exeter, mid and East Devon. We help the WHOLE family with specialist care and advice. We offer home-nursing, day care centres and complementary therapies to help patients make the most of precious time with their loved ones.

We are delighted to be one of the Great West Run 2011 charities. The money raised will enable us to make a real difference to families facing difficult times.

Click to view Hospiscare website

NON OFFICIAL 2011 CHARITIES

Non official charities are still able to get involved with The Great West Run and use the event to raise funds.

There are a limited number of charity places that can be bought at a discounted rate - these will be sold on a first come first served basis. Contact race office for further details.

Charities can also gain FREE places by pledging volunteer help on the day:

3 Volunteers = 1 FREE PLACE
6 Volunteers = 2 FREE PLACE
9 Volunteers = 3 FREE PLACE
12 Volunteers = 4 FREE PLACE

Volunteers would be based at the Exeter Arena stadium which is start and finish venue - they would be required from 8am until 1pm approximately. Contact race office for further details.