Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice is looking forward to a cash boost thanks to marathon runner PC Daniel Garside.

PC Garside, of the Woodhouse and Mosborough Safer Neighbourhood Team, is currently training for the Sheffield Half Marathon on Sunday 25 April.

PC Garside is the dedicated officer for Crystal Peaks, which has also chosen Bluebell Wood as its dedicated charity for 2010.

He said: “As centre officer for Crystal Peaks and as a member of the Woodhouse and Mosborough Safer Neighbourhood Team, I am keen to promote our link to Bluebell Wood.

“I also think the support and help provided by Bluebell Wood to both parents and poorly children shows that it is one of the country’s most worthwhile charities.

“The challenge and hard work entailed in preparing to this marathon is nothing compared to what those families have to endure. I am proud to represent the charity by running this race.

“I’m hoping retailers and shoppers at Crystal Peaks will dig deep and help me raise as much money as possible.”

PC Garside has been pulling on his running shoes in his spare time to run up to 30 miles per week in preparation for the race.

Runners will begin the gruelling route at the Don Valley Stadium and then head along Brightside Lane, Princess Street, Effingham Street, along Furnival Road into Sheffield city centre, down past Sheffield United Football Club, Alderson Road and Ecclessal Road and back towards the Don Valley Stadium for the finish line.

PC Garside has raised £140 of his £500 target amount so far.

The 13.1-mile half-marathon is one of the biggest participation events in Sheffield’s sporting calendar, with city centre landmarks and roads lined with enthusiastic spectators to support elite, club and fun runners.

The event is also host to the Yorkshire Half Marathon Championships and the South Yorkshire Half Marathon Championships.

More than £600,000 has been raised for charity during the event’s 29 year history.

Chief executive of Bluebell Wood, Sarah Champion, said the hospice needs £2.5 million every year to provide care to children with life-limiting illnesses.

“It’s fantastic that PC Dan Garside will be running the Sheffield Half Marathon for us.

“With no statutory government funding, our charity relies on the generosity of the public and people like PC Garside who care enough to get involved.

“We are behind him and all his fellow runners 100 percent and wish them the very best of luck in the Sheffield Half Marathon.”

 You can help PC Garside reach his £500 target by sponsoring him via www.justgiving.com/Dan-Garside.  

You can also log onto www.bluebellwood.org for PC Garside’s training diary.

For more information about The Sheffield Half marathon log onto www.sheffieldmarathon.com.