The Royal Hospital runners are raring to go Ready for a Royal run The Royal Parks Half Marathon is taking place next month and Team RHC is getting ready for this iconic event on Sunday 9 October. The team – which includes Royal Hospital staff and a family member, as well as two Chelsea Pensioners – has been training hard for the past couple of months, even meeting up for group runs in Hyde Park after work. They’re all looking forward to the run, which takes in four of the capital’s most beautiful Royal parks – Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens – as well as a host of London landmarks. Both Chelsea Pensioner participants welcome the opportunity to give something back to the community they call home. “I have been a Chelsea Pensioner for three years and have received excellent support from the staff here” says Dave, who served in the Royal Military Police. “If I can raise funds by taking part I will, whilst I’m still able, put something back into the Royal Hospital.” Fellow veteran Alan – who was awarded a British Empire Medal when serving with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and joined our community in May – says he’d like his efforts to help future generations of Pensioners: “Moving to the Royal Hospital Chelsea has improved both my mental and physical health and provided me with a sense of purpose. Running the Royal Parks Half Marathon will enable me to raise money so that current and future veterans can enjoy the autumn of their lives.” One of our Royal Hospital staff members Catherine explained what motivated her to join Team RHC: “As staff, we feel so lucky to work in such a beautiful place. Every day when we come into work, we see the wonderful care our colleagues give to the Chelsea Pensioners and the difference it makes to their lives. We wanted to run the Royal Parks Half Marathon to raise money for the Royal Hospital as a thank you for their amazing work, and to the Pensioners who always make us smile!” If you’d like to support the team’s efforts and help the Royal Hospital, just click the button below to donate. Donate now If you’re inspired to raise funds to help care for the Chelsea Pensioners and their historic home by taking part in a challenge, race, or fun run please get in touch with Catherine by calling 020 7881 5323 or emailing [email protected].