NURSES at York Hospital children’s ward welcomed a special visitor who popped in to launch this year’s fundraising children’s fun runs on Knavesmire.

Tommo the Tortoise, mascot of the Arena Group York Mini and Junior Run, was on Ward 17 yesterday to declare entries for the races now open.

Donations from the children’s races, which are held alongside the Jane Tomlinson’s 10k Run For All, will go to Ward 17 to help fund a new nurses station.

Bridget Wilson, deputy sister of the ward, said: “We are very grateful to the Jane Tomlinson 10k run in supporting York Children’s Ward. “The staff are very excited about the design of the new desk and how this will improve our work caring for babies, children and young people.”

The Yorkshire-based document management company Arena Group is again funding the 1.5k and 2.5k events, so entry is free, allowing all money raised to go the hospital.

Lisa Butterworth, Arena Group marketing manager, said: “It’s definitely a good cause. We are very keen to support the communities we are in.

“Jane Tomlinson and the hospital are both really good causes to support.”

The York Mini and Junior runs take place at 11.30am on Sunday, August 4. Entry details at runforall.com