Almost 2,000 people took part in Love Luton RunFest on Sunday, with runners and walkers raising money for local causes and members of Luton Town Football Club, local politicians and hospital staff among those taking part.
The annual event brought the community together for 5K, 10K and half-marathon distances, with fundraising efforts supporting Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity and The Hygiene Bank.
Rachel Hopkins, MP for Luton South and South Bedfordshire, took part in the 5K walk and she said: “Another fantastic Love Luton Run Fest today! Well done to everyone who took part whether running the half marathon or, like me, walking the 5k alongside Dave dressed as a chicken raising money for a good cause! This is Luton at its best, our community out together, united, supporting each other – and don’t let others say otherwise”
Luton Council leader Cllr Amjid Ali also completed the 5K alongside fellow councillors and Liberal Democrat party members, with Cllr Clive Mead, aged 81, setting the pace.
Luton Town Football Club was represented by 15 members of staff, including manager Jack Wilshere, first-team coach Tim Corcoran and club ambassador Mick Harford, who completed the 5K and 10K courses while running for Community Interest Luton.
First-team physiotherapist Monika Jude completed the half-marathon in a personal best time.
The event also aimed to raise funds and collect supplies for The Hygiene Bank, which supports people experiencing hygiene poverty. Luton Town said 24,000 children in Luton live in poverty every day, limiting their opportunities to participate fully in education, activities and social life.
Meanwhile, staff from Luton and Dunstable University Hospital took part to raise money for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity, which supports services including cancer care, cardiology, children’s services, diabetes care, dementia services, neonatal intensive care and stroke care.
Among those running the 5K were mother and daughter Sam Eastman and Jade, who both work in neonatal care at the L&D. They were joined by nurses, former parents and former neonatal intensive care babies to raise money for memory-making items for the Bluebell Suite, a dedicated bereavement space.
They said: “Between us, we have 24 years of NICU experience. Family Integrated Care (FICare) is a huge part of our NICU, supporting families through many aspects of their Neonatal journey, including bereavement support — something which is very close to our hearts.
“We see first-hand just how precious a handprint, footprint, photograph or memory box can become for families. These small keepsakes create lasting memories of babies who will always be loved and remembered.
“Running together as mum and daughter makes this even more special. We’re doing it for our babies and families, and to help make the hardest moments that little bit gentler.
“Every donation, big or small, will make a difference. Thank you so much for supporting us and our wonderful NICU families.”
Cardiology staff from the L&D tackled the 5K, 10K and half-marathon distances to raise money for the hospital charity.
The cardiology team said: “Taking part in this event is our way of giving back to our local hospitals and helping to ensure that the charity can continue making a real difference to the people we care for every day.”
Eight colleagues from the hospital’s paediatrics team also took part, aiming to raise £1,500 to improve facilities for children.
The paediatric team said: “As a team, we are running with purpose and with hope. We know that thoughtful improvements to the environment around children can make a real difference during challenging times, and we are proud to be supporting a cause that puts care, comfort, and community first. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to making a positive impact where it matters most. If you are able to support us, we would be truly grateful. Your generosity will encourage us every step of the way.”
Local fitness group Revolution Fitness also turned out in force, with almost 300 runners taking part. Forty-four were fundraising for the L&D Children’s Ward, with the group aiming to raise £20,000. At the time of the charity’s announcement, its members had raised £14,284.
Sarah Amexheta, head of charity at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Luton Borough Council and the Love Luton team for choosing Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity as one of the charities supported through this year’s event. It is fantastic to see more than 300 runners stepping up to support the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital.
“I’d like to give a special mention to local community group Revolution whose members are proudly supporting the Children’s Ward and have raised an impressive £14,284 so far.
“As Head of Charity, it is incredibly special to see our community coming together in this way to support patients, families and staff.”
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