The charity’s Hero Run, which is sponsored by local steel fabrication firm Jones & Whymark, will see both novice and seasoned runners take their pick from one of three circuits around the Sports Park cycle track at Cuckoo Farm Way, Colchester, CO4 5YX.

Participants can choose the 2km family fun run, or for more of a challenge race 5km or 10km. Dressing up to run as a favourite hero is highly encouraged; the theme is ‘your hero’, and whether runners dress as a nurse, doctor, emergency service worker, sports personality, or a superhero from films or comics, all sponsorship raised will go towards helping patients and families receive the care and support they need, when they need it, where they need it.

Marcus Poston, partnerships fundraising manager at St Helena Hospice, said:

"Not all heroes wear capes but anyone taking part in Hero Run is a hero to St Helena! Whoever your superhero is, it’s time to get creative and active, all while raising money for your local hospice.

“Novice and seasoned runners of all ages are very welcome to join in and experience running on the largest all-weather closed road cycle circuit in the East of England. So whether you’re looking for a fun and active day out with the family, fancy challenging yourself, want to get competitive with friends, or run as a team for a loved one, this is your chance.

"With rising costs and the local population growing, our services are more in demand than ever, so it is essential we raise more vital funds to maintain our high quality care for people in our Hospice or in their homes, today and for future generations. Taking part in Hero Run and getting sponsored by family and friends is a great way to support St Helena to do this.”

All ages are welcome to take part and the event will be chip timed. Supporters can watch from the designated cheer zones along the track. Register to take part at www.sthelena.org.uk/hero