With less than three weeks to go, more people have been urged to ‘make room for an extra mince pie’ at a Christmas-themed fun run.

With fewer people than expected signed up so far for St Clare Hospice’s Festive Fun Run, more have been encouraged to take part and raise vital funds for the Hastingwood hospice.

It is hoped that the event on Sunday December 13 will raise £20,000 to support care for local people and their families facing life-limiting illnesses together.

St Clare’s chief executive Tanya Curry said: “Our services are free of charge to those who need them but they are not without cost, and with limited NHS funding it would be almost impossible for us to continue being there for those facing one of life’s most difficult journeys without the support of our community.”

She added: “Please show your support for your local hospice and help us raise the essential funds we need to ensure our care is available to our patients this Christmas and in the years to come.”

The family-friendly 5km event starts and finishes at the Water Gardens in Harlow, where there will be Christmas food, drink and activities.

Registration for the event, which is suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and people with dogs, costs £7.50 for adults and £2.50 for children.

For more information, visit http://stclarehospice.org.uk/event/st-clare-festive-fun-run/.