A father and daughter team recently took on the Bristol 10k together, raising money for two charities close to their hearts.
Martin Pearce and his daughter Chloe ran side by side on Sunday 10th May, each supporting a different cause.
Martin is a long-term fundraiser for Children’s Hospice South West and is well known locally for his alter ego, “Shoeperman” while Chloe was inspired to take on her first 10k following a bereavement in the family of a close friend. She ran in aid of Dorothy House, which provided support to her friend’s family.
Martin is club photographer for Westbury Utd Football Club, and has previously been spotted running through the streets of Westbury in costume, and more recently in Codford and Heytesbury following a house move.
Over the years, Martin and his wife have taken on a number of challenges for the charity, including abseiling down a waterfall in Cornwall and cycling between the charity’s three hospices – twice. Together, they have raised nearly £40,000 to support families with children who have life-limiting conditions.
Martin said, “The support we’ve had over the years has been incredible. Every challenge is about raising awareness as well as funds for a charity that means so much to us.”
Chloe, who has raised nearly £600 for Dorothy House said, “I wanted to do something positive and give something back after seeing the support Dorothy House gave to people close to me. Running my first 10k felt like the right challenge.”
The pair are no strangers to sharing big moments. In 2017, Chloe was part of the trophy-winning Westbury Youth Amazons team that lifted the Wiltshire FA County Cup – on the same day Martin ran the London Marathon dressed as Shoeperman.
Chloe began playing with Westbury Youth in 2009, which led to Martin becoming involved with the club. She later went on to study football coaching at Bridgwater and Taunton College through the Yeovil Town Ladies set-up.
Martin continues to be a familiar face in the local sporting community. He volunteers at Southwick Country parkrun on Saturday mornings and can still be found in the afternoon at Meadow Lane photographing Westbury United matches.
He has taken more than 35,000 photographs at Westbury Utd, attracting over five million views on social media, with his pictures also appearing in national football publications. When Westbury are away, he regularly attends matches at Dilton Marsh Wanderers, who also support Children’s Hospice South West.
To donate, visit Martin’s Fundraising Link at https://ajbellgreatbristolrun2026.enthuse.com/pf/shoepermanbristol26 or Chloe’s Fundraising Link at https://www.justgiving.com/page/chloe-pearce-dorothyhouse
