Crewe family to start hospice’s Bolesworth Dark Run

An eight-year-old girl cared for at Hope House children’s hospice will be helping to light up the night at the charity’s Dark Run at Bolesworth Castle this October.

Rose Robertson, who lives in Crewe, will be starting the event with her mum Louise and dad Stewart, which returns to Bolesworth on Saturday October 24th.

Participants can walk, jog or run either a 2.5k or 5k glow-in-the-dark course to help raise vital funds for local children with life-threatening conditions and their families.

Rose has complex needs, including cerebral palsy, and Hope House, is a huge part of her life.

Her mum Louise admits she was unsure about using a children’s hospice at first.

“When we came to Hope House it wasn’t what we expected at all. There were children laughing and playing. There was music playing. It didn’t feel clinical. It just had this really special feeling,” she said.

Rose now looks forward to every visit. “She loves swimming, music, animal visits, messy play and being outside in the wonderful grounds of the hospice.”

Supporters taking part in the Dark Run will help ensure that children like Rose can continue accessing the specialist care and support they need.

Claire Penney, fundraiser with the charity, says: “Rose’s story perfectly shows why events like the Dark Run are so important. Every step taken and every pound raised helps children like Rose and families like hers access the specialist care, support and opportunities they deserve.

“The Dark Run is a fantastic event for all ages and we’d like to thank our headline sponsors Recycling UK and all our supporting partners for helping make the night a possibility.

“We’d love to see as many people as possible sign up and light up the night for Hope House.”

The Hope House Dark Run at Bolesworth Castle takes place at 6pm with music, glow sticks and plenty of atmosphere along the way. Registration costs £15 for adults and £10 for children under 16.

Participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship to support local families.

To sign up, visit the Hope House Children’s Hospices website: hopehouse.org.uk/dark-run-2026