FORCE Cancer Charity, Hospiscare and Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) have formed a partnership to promote support for local charities at this year’s Great West Run.

They have launched a #keepitlocal campaign to encourage runners taking part in the half marathon around Exeter on October 14 to raise money for them.

The three charities, among the most respected support organisations in the area, are emphasising the importance of keeping it local.

“All three of us offer face-to-face support right here in the South West – your family, your friends, your colleagues - and by raising money for any one of us, you will be helping people in your community at the most challenging time in their life,” said Oly Watts from FORCE.

All three charities still have places available for the Great West Run. In return for covering the cost of the entry fee, each of the charities asks that its runners pledge to reach a set fundraising target.

“The beauty of raising money for local charities is that you can see exactly where the money is spent,” said Laura Robertson from CHSW.

All three charities will be in Princesshay, Exeter, on Friday, May 4 from 11.30am to 3pm to promote #keepitlocal with opportunities to sign up for the Great West Run.

Rebecca Botfield from Hospiscare said: “The Great West Run is a fantastic event and an amazing opportunity for you to make a difference in your community so come and join our team.”

There will be the chance to join local training groups and on the day of the half marathon, the charities will be at the start/finish area, on water stations and at various points around the 13.1 mile course to support their runners.

So if the London Marathon has inspired you to lace up your trainers and make a difference, get signed up for the Great West Run now and remember to #keepitlocal.

Local support can make a difference to each of the charities.

For FORCE, £50 will pay for one person’s community exercise plan; £35 will fund one complementary therapy session and £25 will allow an hour of welfare benefits advice.

For Hospiscare, £9 funds complementary therapy oil for one volunteer therapist; £15 buys a fleece blanket for one patient on the ward; £18 covers an hour of care from a nurse on the ward; £58 pays for a two-hour assessment visit from one community nurse specialist.

For the Children’s Hospice South West £25 could pay for the medical consumables needed for one day; £100 could pay for all the meals for the families staying in the hospice for the day.