Claire Bear 3K returns to Birkenhead Park this June in support of Claire House

Children are being asked to run, walk, or scoot around Birkenhead Park this summer in the second live Claire Bear 3K.

Every child who takes part will get a medal and a high-five from Claire House’s cute and cuddly teddy bear mascot.

And, best of all, it’s hoped the event will raise around £30,000 for the amazing work of the Wirral children’s hospice.

Mark Pearson, event fundraising manager for Claire House, says:

“The powerful thing about the Claire Bear 3K for us is that it’s kids raising money for other kids who are poorly.

“But it’s also a great family day out, and a chance for children to maybe do their first unofficial park run and get active.”

“Like all our fundraising it keeps our nurses out in the community, on the local hospital wards, or in Claire House so we can be here for children when they need us, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

This year’s Claire Bear 3K will take place on Sunday, June 23, with a 1.5K route that people get around twice to complete the 3K (which is about 1.86 miles).

It’s £6 per child to take part – and free for any accompanying adults – and aims to be the ‘perfect event for little legs to complete and support other children in their community’.

Although no-one has to raise funds, it’s hoped that every child taking part will try to raise £100.

Mark explains:

“It started with the first Claire Bear 3K in lockdown when lots of kids from local communities were doing things for charity, and it was a virtual event in the summer of 2020.

“We had our first live 3K last year with 350 children taking part and raising just over £20,000.

“This year, we’ve launched the event earlier, and we are hoping to have 7-800 children taking part and to raise around £30,000.”

“We have a lot of young people who want to raise money for charity and one of their first thoughts is the local children’s hospice; we also have a lot of children taking part who have a connection with Claire House, perhaps they have siblings who come to Claire House or have been here.

“It is the perfect first fun run for little legs – my children Evie, seven, and Thomas, who’s four, did it last year and they loved it.

“We have Claire Bear waiting to greet children, we have the Wirral Samba Drummers at the start and finish lines, as well as food and drink, and face painting, and there’s just a really good family atmosphere.

“A lot of families come and do the run, and then stay around and have a picnic. It’s just a really good day,” says Mark.

“The local community keeps the doors open at Claire Huse and we are always so grateful for all their support.”

The Claire Bear 3K site will open at 11am on the day with the run, ‘walk, or scoot’ starting at 12pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult.