Runners are gearing up to take on the world’s largest half marathon this September – the Great North Run.
Among the thousands set to take part on Sunday, September 8 are three runners supporting St Richard’s Hospice in Worcester.
The famous 13.1-mile race takes place in the North East, beginning in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and ending in South Shields.
Maddy Turley, from Leigh Sinton, will be one of those lining up to take on the challenge for St Richard’s.
“I’ve run a half marathon before about 15 years ago and it was so very tough,” explained the 35-year-old. “I wanted to see what I would be capable of, and to fully commit to the training.”
The palliative care doctor, who has worked at St Richard’s, says picking the charity was an “easy choice”.
“I’ve seen, first hand, the importance and value of the care it delivers, day in, day out, in both the hospice itself and also into the wider community.
“Additionally, I have friends who have lost people they dearly love, and who have been supported by the hospice, in the darkest times.
“The need for excellent palliative care is clearly evident, and the need for widening access to this is increasing all of the time.
“I know the only way to achieve this is through constant fundraising, no mean feat. This is my small contribution to a resource that this community cannot do without.”
To donate in support of Dr Turley visit justgiving.com/fundraising/maddy-turley1
Also taking part in support of St Richard’s is seasoned runner and postman Lee Deeley, from Worcester.
Mr Deeley, aged 48, experienced the hospice’s services first-hand when it cared for his mum.
“Everyone I know in Worcester has either had help from St Richard’s or knows what great work all its staff do,” he said.
So far, Mr Deeley has raised about £4,000 for the hospice – with the “fantastic” support of customers at his local, The Swan Inn, Barbourne.
To donate in support of Mr Deeley, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lee-deeley
Amy Roscoe, from Worcester, has already completed one half marathon and says she is “excited but nervous” to take on the Great North Run.
The 27-year-old, who works as a community nurse, is running in memory of her dad who was supported by St Richard’s before he died in 2007.
“My mum and I will always be grateful of the support St Richard’s Hospice offered,” said Miss Roscoe.
Earlier this year, the runner worked as part of the team on the hospice’s In-patient Unit (IPU) before starting her role with the NHS.
She said: “The nurses on the unit are phenomenal and their kindness and knowledge is irreplaceable. The IPU is a wonderful place for patients and families requiring specialist palliative care.”
To donate to Miss Roscoe’s fundraising, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/amy-roscoe
To take on another running challenge in support of St Richard’s, visit www.strichards.org.uk/events