Where would we be without volunteers? On May 21 around 300 volunteers gave up their own free time in the rain to help make the first Acorns Great Malvern Triple Run a success.

Volunteers came forward from around the three counties and the West Midlands to help in a wide range of activities: as marshals, water station stewards, to stuff goody boxes and envelopes, sell T-shirts, service enquiries and provide sporting sideshows.

The rain and mud on the day did not dampen spirits and in fact it was the wealth of humour and goodwill displayed by the volunteers that runners found to be so refreshing and invigorating - to the extent that many positive letters and phone calls of thanks have been received.

The organising committee of the Acorns Great Malvern Triple Run would like to send out a huge thank you to all the volunteers, without whom such an event would not be remotely possible.

Of course, there would also not have been an event without the determination and true grit of the runners, who turned out despite the weather conditions to help raise the profile of, and valuable funding for, Acorns Children's Hospice Trust. Thank you to all those runners who have raised much-needed sponsorship for Acorns and other charities.

The event succeeded in its objective of helping people to achieve their own 'personal best' regardless of their age, ability or disability, and it is thanks to all our volunteers and supporters that we have also been able to achieve a 'personal best' for Acorns. Thank you everyone.

Sarah Grout, on behalf of the organising committee, Acorns Great Malvern Triple Run.