CHEER TEAM: Marie Foster from St Ann’s dedicates some of her time to cheering St Ann’s supporters at various events

By St Ann’s Hospice

St Ann’s Hospice is calling on the public to join its cheer squad for the upcoming Manchester Half Marathon on Sunday, October 12.

In October we will be crossing the finish line as Moya Cole Hospice as our name change comes into effect on October 1, but today, we proudly train as St Ann’s Hospice. Different name, same mission: providing outstanding care when it matters most.

Cheerers for St Ann’s meet at a designated cheer spot along the route and make as much noise as possible for those running the half marathon for the hospice – they will be easily recognisable in their St Ann’s gear!

The Manchester Half 2025 cheer spot is the Chester Road/Edge Lane area of Stretford, right by Stretford tram stops and close to Stretford Mall.

St Ann’s staff member and one of the most vocal cheerers for the hospice, Gayle Shaw says there is nothing quite like being part of the cheer squad.

Gayle said: “Supporting the Manchester Half Marathon is always a highlight of my year. The atmosphere is electric from start to finish, and cheering as a team truly boosts the runners. Seeing their smiles and hearing their heartfelt ‘thank yous’ as they pass by is worth its weight in gold. It’s genuinely one of the best feelings in the world, knowing you’ve helped someone achieve a goal they’ve worked so hard for.

“From shouting runners’ names and giving high fives, to clapping, cheering, blowing whistles, and ringing bells. It’s all part of the fun. Spotting St Ann’s t-shirts in a sea of runners becomes a skill in itself!

“I’d recommend the experience to anyone. Joining the cheer squad isn’t just a day filled with joy and laughter. It’s also a powerful and valuable way to support St Ann’s Hospice and the incredible work they do for patients and families living with life limiting illness’ across Greater Manchester.”

Marie Foster, also a staff member at St Ann’s also dedicates some of her time to cheering St Ann’s supporters in various events.

Marie said: “I love cheering for all the runners at any event in Greater Manchester. From the moment we see the first runners come towards us there’s a real buzz in the air and anticipation of who we might see. It’s amazing to witness runners of all abilities and often really humbling too.

“I love bringing my energy to cheer them on, blowing whistles, calling their names, giving them high-fives. It’s great when you catch their eye and know your cheering has helped them keep going.

“I’d recommend cheering to anyone – for a few hours of your time, you’ll have a fun day out, feel a real sense of community and enjoy being part of an iconic Manchester event. Plus you will have helped the hospice too!”

Being a cheerer for St Ann’s provides an atmospheric day where you can meet lots of new people and become an integral part of the St Ann’s community.

If you are interested in becoming a cheerer for St Ann’s and more specifically for the Manchester Half Marathon, then please email events@sah.org.uk or call the team on 0161 498 3631.

St Ann’s Hospice provides holistic care to patients with life-limiting illnesses – comprising inpatient care, day therapy and supportive outpatient services from its sites at Heald Green, Stockport and Little Hulton, Salford.

The teams at the hospice also provide a range of community and outreach services to patients, including care in the place they call home via a Hospice at Home service available in Salford and Trafford, the hospice’s Community Specialist Palliative Care Team in Salford, and the homelessness palliative care service in Manchester. A 24-hour telephone advice line is available to patients, carers and healthcare professionals in Salford, Manchester, Trafford and Stockport.

READ NEXT