THERE are 63,000 reasons to care about this charity campaign.

Worcestershire Association of Carers has launched a new awareness and fundraising initiative in aid of the 63,000 unpaid carers in the county.

The good cause is seeking to find 63 big-hearted volunteers to run the Worcester City 10k – one to represent every 1,000 people who provide unpaid support to ill or disabled friends or family members in Worcestershire.

And it hopes the project will increase understanding of carer issues and provide a funding boost for its vital services.

Carole Cumino, the charity’s chief executive, said: “It is a brilliant opportunity for us and we are very excited.

“We aim to raise our profile and get our important message across, as well as raise funds for our work.

“Carers face a variety of challenges in everyday life – financial hardship, poor health and relationship difficulties – but our services can make a big difference.

“Worcestershire Association of Carers already helps 10,000 of the 63,000 carers in the county through a telephone helpline, advice website, free training courses and face-to-face support.

“We hope the Worcester City 10k initiative will increase awareness and help us to find the other 53,000 carers in the county and develop services for them.”

The charity however has a long way to go to recruit 63 participants for the city’s premier running event, which takes place on Sunday, September 20.

Last year the organisation had just one participant – but the dedicated fundraiser has signed up again and is looking forward to being part of a bigger team.

Sarah Heppner, 37, of Worcester, who plans to take part in the epic 40km run bike run course rather than the main 10km run, said: “The event in 2014 was absolutely awesome – it was a really, really great experience.

“I was cream-crackered at the end but I had a fantastic time and the atmosphere was brilliant.

“It is so exciting that many more people will be taking part in aid of the charity this year.

“Worcestershire Association of Carers is a wonderful cause and it does small things that make a huge difference to the lives of carers.

“I’d encourage anyone to get involved – you can get fit, have fun, take part with friends and raise money for the benefit of local people.”

Three companies are helping with the charity’s mission to sign up 63 runners.

Digital marketing specialist Bluebox, stainless steel distributor Seagull Balustrades and clothing supplier Firelabel Merchandising have backed the charity’s campaign.

The trio of firms are persuading their employees to run the course, as well as designing and funding branded t-shirts for all runners.

Jason Peachey, account manager at Bluebox, said he was delighted to support a “great charity” while David Worley, managing director of Seagull Balustrades, added taking part will be a good team-building activity for the firm.

For more details and to sign up to complete the Worcester City 10k for Worcestershire Association of Carers call 01905 751340 or visit carersworcs.org.uk