THOUSANDS of runners completed the annual Southend half marathon in aid of Havens Hospices.

Nearly 2,500 people tackled the 13.1-mile route along the coastline, starting at Shoebury East Beach.

Nicola Laver ran with brother Tom Fenn in memory of her father Kevin Fenn, who was cared for at Fair Havens Hospice in 2016.

She said: “Nothing was too much trouble - even when 13 members of the Fenn family descended on the hospice for an impromptu sleepover during his last two nights. We knew his nurses by their first names; they held us when we cried, they listened and they supported not just Dad but us as well.”

She added: “There’s a real community spirit at this run and I am so glad that we decided to join in and raise vital funds for Havens Hospices.”

Judy Grocott, events manager at Havens Hospices, thanked everyone who took part, from runners to marshals and the event’s sponsors.

She said: “The day couldn’t have gone any better and it was great to see so many local people not only taking part but lining the route to cheer runners on.

“Every runner who has trained for this event and crossed that start line has helped our hospices to continue caring for local adults, children and families when they need it most, and with their help we are well on our way to our £100,000 fundraising target.”