A local firefighter is training hard for the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon with high hopes of raising over £2,000 for St Richard’s Hospice.
Becky Fawkes, from Worcester, decided to take on the 26-mile challenge in memory of her sister-in-law, Jenny Hall-Dixon, who was cared for by the hospice before her death last summer.
On Sunday 23rd April Becky will be joining 12 others on the start line in Greenwich Park to run the iconic marathon in aid of St Richard’s, all hoping to raise thousands to help the local charity continue to care for those living with life-limiting illnesses and support their loved ones.
Since hearing that she had been awarded a gold bond place to take part in the London Marathon for St Richard’s Hospice, Mrs Fawkes has been busy raising funds, including collections at the Kay’s Theatre Group, where her sister-in-law was a keen member, and at Worcester Wyevale Garden Centre.
The marathon challenge has since become a family affair, with her father, Dave Walker, a retired local firefighter and coach for Worcester athletics, helping with her training, supported by her sister Rachel Clift who competed in the Beijing Olympics in the GB hockey team.
The family’s next fundraising event will be an Abba inspired 70’s Disco which will take place on Saturday 11th March, from 7pm at Droitwich Golf Club. Her sister-in-law was a fan of the 1970s pop group and the family decided that this would be a fitting tribute to their loved one.
Becky said; “My sister-in-law Jenny passed away in August last year after a long battle with cancer. She was looked after by St Richard’s as she had specialist nursing care needs which meant she couldn’t go home. We literally don’t know what we would have done without them. The kindness shown to Jenny and our family will stay with us forever.
“I promised Jenny I would run the London Marathon in her name to raise money for St Richard’s and I have been lucky enough to get a charity place. I have organised the Abba inspired 70’s disco as part of my fundraising. Jenny loved Abba which is where I got the idea from. She would love the fact that you can have a fun night out which is helping to raise much needed money. If you’re a 70’s groover and fancy a fun night out, do get in touch. There are limited tickets so don’t delay.”
Tickets for the Abba night fundraiser are £20 each, including food, and available from Becky Fawkes on 01905 759505 or 07759 435974.
If you are unable to attend the event but would like to donate to Becky’s fund visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Becky-Fawkes