HUNDREDS of York youngsters will raise money for York Hospital’s children’s ward at an annual fun run taking place on Knavesmire this year.

Ward 17 at the hospital has been chosen as the beneficiary of this year’s York Mini and Junior Run in August - an event which takes place alongside the Jane Tomlinson 10K run.

The money raised will be used to replace the ward’s out-dated nurses’ station – the first point of call for distressed youngsters and their parents.

The station dates back to the 1970s and has not been refurbished since and is now in desperate need of replacement, according to Lucy Lowthian, fundraising manager at York Hospital She said: “We’re really thrilled to have been chosen as the beneficiary for this year’s Arena Group York Mini and Junior Run. It’s a great event and we’re really happy to be a part of it.

“To be able to refurbish the nurses’ station would be fantastic. We really want to make it more child-friendly, just to be able to make things a tiny bit easier for our patients and their families.”

Tristan Batley-Kyle, one of the organisers of the two runs , said: “The mini and junior run is a great way for youngsters to get involved in sport in a really fun and safe way.

“Seeing them all cross the finishing line is a really special experience. This year they will be supporting children in hospital, helping to make their ordeals just that little bit easier.”

Entries are now open for the Arena Group York Mini and Junior Runs. To sign up go to http://www.forallevents.co.uk/run-for-all The event comprises two runs, which set off from Knavesmire on August 4. There will be a 1.5km course for three-to-eight-year-olds and a 2.5km route for nine-to-14-year-olds.