CHEER TEAM: Marie Foster from St Ann\u2019s dedicates some of her time to cheering St Ann\u2019s supporters at various events <\/p>\n
By St Ann’s Hospice<\/strong><\/p>\n St Ann\u2019s Hospice is calling on the public to join its cheer squad for the upcoming Manchester Half Marathon on Sunday, October 12.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s Hospice. Different name, same mission: providing outstanding care when it matters most.<\/p>\n Cheerers for St Ann\u2019s 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 \u2013 they will be easily recognisable in their St Ann\u2019s gear!<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n St Ann\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Gayle said: \u201cSupporting 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\u2019s genuinely one of the best feelings in the world, knowing you\u2019ve helped someone achieve a goal they\u2019ve worked so hard for. <\/p>\n \u201cFrom shouting runners\u2019 names and giving high fives, to clapping, cheering, blowing whistles, and ringing bells. It\u2019s all part of the fun. Spotting St Ann\u2019s t-shirts in a sea of runners becomes a skill in itself! <\/p>\n “I\u2019d recommend the experience to anyone. Joining the cheer squad isn\u2019t just a day filled with joy and laughter. It\u2019s also a powerful and valuable way to support St Ann\u2019s Hospice and the incredible work they do for patients and families living with life limiting illness’ across Greater Manchester.”<\/p>\n Marie Foster, also a staff member at St Ann\u2019s also dedicates some of her time to cheering St Ann\u2019s supporters in various events.<\/p>\n Marie said: \u201cI love cheering for all the runners at any event in Greater Manchester. From the moment we see the first runners come towards us there\u2019s a real buzz in the air and anticipation of who we might see. It\u2019s amazing to witness runners of all abilities and often really humbling too. <\/p>\n “I love bringing my energy to cheer them on, blowing whistles, calling their names, giving them high-fives. It\u2019s great when you catch their eye and know your cheering has helped them keep going. <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d recommend cheering to anyone \u2013 for a few hours of your time, you\u2019ll 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!”<\/p>\n Being a cheerer for St Ann\u2019s provides an atmospheric day where you can meet lots of new people and become an integral part of the St Ann\u2019s community.<\/p>\n