Boy runs in memory of mum in hospice fundraiser

Josh Burgess, 16, from Ferrers Road, won the hospice's adult fun run on Sunday, six months after his mother Lisa died on Mothers' Day after a brave battle against breast cancer.

His younger brother and sister Benedict and Claudia were also the first two walkers back at the same event, and were joined by 400 other competitors who helped raise more than 10,000 for the charity.

Josh completed the five-and-a-half mile course, from the hospice grounds to South Chailey and back, in just 33 minutes and nine seconds.

He said: "My mum died six months ago, she stayed here at the Hospice.

'I ran for my mum today, I know she was with me when I was running, I did it for her and I won first place.'

Special guest for the day was Olympic gold medal winner Sally Gunnell who the official starter for both the adult and junior fun runs.

First lady back in the adult race was Katie Kidger, while Rory Pughe-Morgan and Olivia Dickie won the junior boys and girls events.

The Fun Run or Walk is St Peter a nd St James' biggest annual fundraising event and has raised more than 30,000 since it began four years ago.

The Hospice has to raise 1.2 million every year to keep providing its vital services and is reliant on public support.

If you would like to know more about St Peter & St James or make a donation, visit www.stpeter-stjames.org.uk