A SPONSOR is wanted for the next Dash for Dad run after the success of the inaugural event last year.

More than £9,000 was raised for the Saunderton-based Child Bereavement Charity at last year's run - which took place on Father's Day - and organisers hope the 2012 event will be bigger and better than the first.

Marlow marathon runner Samantha Amend was the inspiration behind the event as a thank you to the Child Bereavement Charity for the support they offered her family after the death of her husband James.

She said: “When my husband died, the Child Bereavement Charity were a great help to my family. I suggested starting the Dash for Dad because both Father’s Day and Mother’s Day can be particularly difficult for bereaved children and families, and I thought that a run would be a different way to mark the day with the opportunity to run around a beautiful grounds.

“Having a corporate sponsor will help us cover the costs of organising the event and offer someone a great association with an organisation that does such important work for many of our families locally.

"We are looking for £3,000 and although this is a difficult climate, I believe that this would be great value for anyone doing business in Buckinghamshire.”

Last year's event saw more than 300 runners take part in 5k and 10k races around the grounds of West Wycombe Park, with 70 children taking part in a 1km race. This year's run takes place on Sunday June 17.

To enter the race go to www.childbereavement.org.uk/GetInvolved/Challenges/RunningEvents, www.runnersworld.co.uk or www.fabian4.co.uk. Anyone interested in sponsoring the Dash for Dad in 2012 should contact Emma Riley on 01494 568912.