THERE are several reasons why you should join the Acorns Great Malvern Triple Run. First of all, Acorns is a worthy cause, providing care and support through its children's hospice for young people in the two counties facing what would seem to most of us to be a depressing, and often cruelly short, future.

Secondly, exercise is good for you, so by taking part you can not only help a worthy cause but do your own body a favour too.

Third, there are three races on the day so it suits people of all ages and all abilities. It's a whole lot of fun for all involved and includes the so-called chicken run, which allows wheelchair users to compete and enjoy the event too.

And finally, for inspiration.

Many of the participants in the races will be people who actually use the services offered by the hospice.

Just meeting these life-limited children and seeing their courage, determination and, above all, sense of fun is enough to make anyone realise how lucky they are to be alive and appreciate whatever they have.

Some of us have great friends, loving families, exciting jobs and good health. A few of us have all of those things, many of us have some of them and most of us have at least one. But even if we have none, we still have the ability to smile when we wake up on a sunny day or when a passing stranger bids us good morning in the street.

So take part in the race on Sunday, July 1. Help a good cause. Then stop. Look around you at the smiling faces and think about how lucky you are. And be inspired.