A CARE charity is nearing the finish line in its poignant mission to recruit 63 runners for the Worcester City 10k.

Worcestershire Association of Carers wants to recruit one runner to represent every 1,000 of the 63,000 people who provide unpaid support to ill or disabled friends or family members in the county.

It has signed up 58 kind-hearted participants so far – and is now appealing for a further five to get involved and ensure the target is met.

Carole Cumino, the charity’s chief executive, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed with the fantastic response to our call for people to join us for the Worcester City 10k.

“What started as an aspiration is turning into reality – we just need 5 more runners to reach our target of 63 and help us do even more to support the 63,000 unpaid adult carers in Worcestershire.”

This recruitment success marks a massive turnaround for the care charity, which only had one competitor in last year’s inaugural event - Sarah Heppner, 37, of Worcester, who completed the accompanying 'run bike run' course.

But on Sunday, September 20, it looks possible a full quota of 63 enthusiastic fundraisers will line up to take on the popular 10km route.

Two of those participants will be friends Beth Griffin, 20, and Hannah Astbury-Jones, 21, who are both carers.

The pair regularly run together and loved the “fantastic atmosphere” at the Worcester City 10k last year – and decided to take part again in 2015 for Worcestershire Association of Carers, after organising a number of fundraising car boot sales for the good cause.

Miss Astbury-Jones, who helped care for her parents when she was studying A-levels, said: “I am really looking forward to the event and very happy to be running for such a fantastic charity.

“It is a cause close to my heart and I’m sure there’ll be great camaraderie between the 63 participants for the association.”

Miss Griffin, who supports her mother to care for her grandparents, added: “Last year the Worcester City 10k was great fun – so many people came out to cheer on the runners and there was a real community feel.”

For more details and to sign up to complete the Worcester City 10k for Worcestershire Association of Carers, who are being supported with the campaign by companies Bluebox, Seagull Balustrades, Firelabel Merchandising and Southco, call 01905 751340 or visit carersworcs.org.uk

The deadline for entry to the event is Monday, September 14.

For more information on the event visit worcestercityrun.com