This year’s Paul Trigwell Island Run will be the last.

The annual event – one of Sheppey’s biggest – is set to take place on Sunday, May 8.

But organiser Fiona Trigwell revealed on Monday several factors had led to the decision to end the fundraiser.

The main reason being the amount of red tape required to host the races, including health and safety and insurance requirements.

The run is named after Mrs Trigwell’s husband, Paul – the former St George’s Middle School head teacher, who died in September 2006.

Since 2007, more than 5,000 entrants have taken part in the event, raising up to £150,000 in the process.

All funds have gone to helping hundreds of children across the Island. Mrs Trigwell is keen to make clear the charity will go on, despite the end of the run.

She said: “The red tape has really increased over the years, and what used to be the odd form to fill out has now turned into booklets.

“The bureaucracy involved is really aimed at businesses putting on events rather than a small group of volunteers like ours" - Fiona Trigwell

“It’s taken about 18 months to make the decision, and we’re all very emotional about it.

“It’s very, very sad, but there’s so many obstacles to work through now.

“But the main thing is that the charity continues to help Island youngsters.

“We already have plans for some new events, which we will announce in due course.”

This year’s run features three races, which all finish at Beachfields park, Sheerness:

• 10-mile run – 10am, from opposite the golf hut car park in Leysdown
• 10-mile walk – 8.30am, from opposite the golf hut car park in Leysdown
• Two-mile fun run – 10.30am, from opposite the Beach Hotel in Minster.

People wanting more information about entering, should visit www.ptir.org.uk