Families come together for record-breaking Claire Bear 3K, raising thousands for Claire House

Birkenhead Park was full of smiles, bubbles and bear ears at the weekend as hundreds of families turned out for the Claire Bear 3K – and helped raise more than £22,000 for Claire House Children’s Hospice.

Now in its third year, the family-friendly Claire Bear run brought 700 people together on Sunday 22 June to remember loved ones, support local children in hospice care and celebrate everything Claire House means to families across the region.

Young runners – and plenty of parents too – tackled the 3K hand in hand, on scooters and in pushchairs, all proudly sporting Claire Bear ears and T-shirts. Everyone who crossed the finish line was handed a bear-shaped medal, ready to be shown off at school this week.

Before the run got underway, Birkenhead Park was buzzing. Kids played with giant bubbles, queued for face painting and grabbed selfies with the charity’s Claire Bear mascot. The Wirral Samba Band kept spirits high, while volunteers lined the route to cheer everyone on.

Among those taking part was mum Vicky Robinson from Connah’s Quay and her nine-year-old daughter Ella. They joined the run in memory of baby Elsie, who died in 2020.

“Claire House has helped us since losing Elsie. We were offered counselling and Ella’s been supported through sibling events and residentials – she’s made so many friends and had so much fun,” said Vicky. “Claire House is a bittersweet family to be part of, and this is our way of giving something back.”

Five-year-old Luke Tickle from Ellesmere Port took part with his brothers Jacob, 11, and Dylan, six. Even though Luke can’t walk, Jacob and Dylan pushed him round the whole 3K in his chair.

Jacob said: “We wanted to raise money because Claire House helps my brother Luke and does sibling groups too. If it wasn’t for Claire House, we wouldn’t be able to go on fun trips with other brothers and sisters.”

Chelsea Dawson and her three-year-old daughter Hallie were also there, raising money in memory of Ava Harris from Wallasey.

“Claire House has been a rock for our family,” said Chelsea. “They supported us all the way through and they still do. We fundraise all year, and we wanted to do the Claire Bear 3K for Ava.”

Mark Pearson, Event Fundraiser for Claire House, said: “Claire House exists because of the amazing support we get from our community, so it was brilliant to see so many toddlers, children and young people taking part.

“It was a fantastic atmosphere, and every penny raised will help us keep supporting seriously and terminally ill babies, children and young people when they need us most.”

Find out more about Claire House and how you can get involved here.

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