They may be more used to meetings in stuffy chambers – but three Peterborough City Councillors are hoping to bring some magic to a local charity on one of the biggest days in the city calendar.

Councillors Mark Ormston, John Howard and Kevin Tighe will all be putting on their running shoes to raise cash for Anna’s Hope on the Great Eastern Run weekend.

Cllr Tighe will be taking on the Anna’s Hope 5km fun run, cllr Howard will tackle the half marathon course – while cllr Ormston will face a bigger challenge – taking part in both races.

All three said they were doing it because they had been touched by the story of Anna’s Hope – a charity that supports youngsters who have brain tumours.

Great Eastern Run competitors councillors Mark Ormston, Kevin Tighe and John Howard with Carole Hughes from Anna's Hope

placeholder image — Great Eastern Run competitors councillors Mark Ormston, Kevin Tighe and John Howard with Carole Hughes from Anna's Hope

It was founded by Carole Hughes twenty years ago following the death of her daughter, Anna.

Cllr Ormston said while he wasn’t enjoying the training, the chance to support the charity was always at the forefront of his mind on the long runs.

He said: “I’ve never done anything like this before. I don't like running. I haven’t run previously. I started training earlier this year. I don’t enjoy it.

"Carol from Anna’s Hope approached me, and it is just impossible not to support her and the charity. So many children from Peterborough are struggling with brain tumours, and Anna’s Hope do phenomenal work for these children.

Councillors Mark Ormston, Kevin Tighe and John Howard are swapping the council chamber for the Great Eastern Run course

"We are asking people to get behind the charity, support us in our fundraising endeavours, and lets support those in need.”

Cllr Howard said the Great Eastern Run was one of his favourite events. He said: “The city comes alive during the run. It always been a special event to me.

“I was one of the noisy councillors who pushed to bring it back, and I’m so pleased to see it back in action. I’ve run for Anna’s Hope a few times and they are a really special charity.

"The whole story is very touching – I have two daughters myself, and I can really relate to the emotional importance of the charity.”

Cllr Tighe said he hoped other councillors would support the trio. He said: “I’ve run this race four or five times before – this is the first time for Anna’s Hope, and I am really excited to do it.

"They do wonderful work. I’m a father of young children myself, and these things do make you think, there but for the grace of god, and thank goodness for charities like this, who help children in this position. This charity has no professional work force. Every penny goes to help young people. I hope people can turn out, enjoy the run and give generously.

"I expect all councillors to be cheering all three of us on”

Carole Hughes said: It means a lot that these councillors have come forward. We are going to have a lot of fun, but they are going to make a huge difference to young children touched by a brain tumour. They’ve been touched by what has happened. Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer under the age of 40, and if we keep working to make a difference we can get rid of brain tumours once and for all.”

To support the trio’s efforts, visit www.justgiving.com/team/3cllrsgorunning