A dedicated runner is set to complete a marathon in her back garden – to raise funds for the hospice which cared for her brother.
Jane Fletcher, from Droitwich, will take on the challenge on Sunday, April 26 – to coincide with what would have been the 40th London Marathon.
In light of social distancing measures in place during the Covid-19 pandemic, she will run the 26.2 miles in her 7×8 metre garden – a total of 1,405 laps.
The mother-of-two is raising funds for St Richard’s Hospice, which cared for her brother Paul before he died aged 34 in 2010.
“I plan to start around 8am,” said Ms Fletcher, 50. “I’ll mainly be running on grass although we do have some decking so I may run on that for a change of scenery! If I get really bored then I’ll run around my car on the front drive!”
Last year, Ms Fletcher ran the London Marathon for St Richard’s and raised £3,000 – adding to the impressive total of more than £50,000 raised by her family since 2010.
She said: “It’s important to me to support St Richard’s Hospice during the Covid-19 lockdown, as they have to continue raising much needed money following the postponement of many fundraising events and temporary closure of their charity shops.
“St Richard’s were amazing in their care for Paul in his last few weeks, and also with the support they provided to our family afterwards.
“It’s very important to me and my family – it’s a way of keeping Paul’s memory alive and for something good to come out of his death.
“The hospice do amazing work and we will always be grateful to them for their support when Paul was ill.”
Ms Fletcher hopes to complete the run in around seven hours, and will be cheered on by her family members at home.
Tricia Cavell, Fundraising Director at St Richard’s Hospice, said: “We are in awe of the incredible commitment shown by Jane and her family to supporting our hospice, especially in these unprecedented times.
“Jane’s latest challenge will be an amazing feat and we wish her all the very best with the run. While we can’t cheer her on in person – we will be sending her our heartfelt support from afar!
“Our fundraising income has been hit by the coronavirus, as we have had to postpone events and temporarily shut shops.
“But, backed by the help of our amazing community, we are hopeful that we will come through these difficult days together.
“We would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Jane, and to everyone who has raised money, donated, or simply passed on kind messages, during these past few weeks. Your support is truly appreciated.”
To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jane-Fletcher-007