A FITNESS fanatic will be lacing up his running shoes for the Run Solihull half-marathon in memory of a cherished friend.
Rob Sharratt is set to take on the half-marathon next Sunday in honour of his friend Nick, who died from liver cancer earlier this year.
Rob is running in support of Acorns Children’s Hospice, the event’s official charity partner for 2025 and a local cause that meant a great deal to Nick.
“Nick was a great guy,” Rob said. “He had a knack for rallying people to donate to Acorns, sending out bulk emails to friends to raise support, organising charity events and always thinking of Acorns. He was the heart of it all.”
Nick was a passionate supporter of the charity, which provides vital care for seriously ill children across the West Midlands, and he often organised fundraising golf days and dinners through his local rugby club, Old Wheatleyans RFC, where the pair first became friends.
Over the years, both supported Acorns, recognising the charity’s life-changing work with children and families facing the darkest of times.
Though no stranger to fundraising or running events, having previously run for causes such as animal welfare and multiple sclerosis, this year’s race is a unique one for Rob.
He said: “This one is personal. I’m running because it mattered to Nick and because of Acorns incredible work supporting children with life limiting and life threatening conditions.
“I mentioned the run to some friends recently and they immediately pulled out some money from their pockets to donate. That’s the kind of spirit Nick inspired in people.”
Starting and finishing in Malvern Park, in Solihull Town Centre, the event gives an opportunity to run the closed roads of Solihull.
Adding to the fun, there will also be a fun-filled event village open on the day, where there will be performances, bag storage, charity stalls, food and drink vendors for all.
In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.
It needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.