Runners from across the area are preparing to take on the 26.2 mile London Marathon for St Richard’s Hospice.
Altogether, there are 10 runners taking on the marathon on Sunday, April 28 for St Richard’s and it is hoped that a collective amount of more than £20,000 will be raised for the charity.
Gold Bond charity places to run the London Marathon for the Worcester hospice were awarded to five people.
Kane Edwards
Taking on his first marathon is Kane Edwards, whose mum Alison was cared for by the hospice’s community and In-patient teams before she died aged 49.
“I cannot speak highly enough of the attention, care and support everyone at St Richard’s Hospice gave to us,” said the 24-year-old who grew up in Worcester.
“Hopefully raising this money will help the hospice provide the same support to other families when they need it most.”
To support Mr Edwards visit justgiving.com/fundraising/kane-edwards1
Earlier this month, Gemma Kloos from Worcester raised nearly £3,300 at a live music night she organised at the University of Worcester’s Student Union – adding to the funds raised on her JustGiving page.
Gemma Kloos at her fundraising evening
The 29-year-old, whose aunt works at the hospice, explained how St Richard’s supported her granddad before he died – while helping her grandma to care for him at home.
“I feel like I owe it to the hospice for the warmth they provided me and my family through such a dark time,” said Miss Kloos. “To help that to continue for many years through raising money is my pleasure.”
To make a donation to Miss Kloos, visit justgiving.com/Gemma-Kloos
Nicola Evis, whose granddad was also cared for by St Richard’s, has previously taken on 10K runs and half marathons – but never a full marathon.
Nicola Evis
“This is my way of thanking them for the care they provided to my own grandfather many years ago –
and for the support they give to many people and families every day,” explained the 40-year-old.
Ms Evis raised £400 from a ceilidh event last month and is also holding a bake sale at Timothy Lea & Griffiths in Merstow Green, Evesham, on Thursday, 18th April. To make a donation to Ms Evis, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/nicola-evis3
Jane Fletcher
Having run the Worcester Marathon last year, Jane Fletcher has set herself the challenge once again to mark her 50th birthday.
Ms Fletcher, who lives in Droitwich, has raised money for the hospice for many years following the death of her brother, Paul.
“It’s very important to me and my family to keep raising money for the hospice – it’s a way of keeping Paul’s memory alive and for something good to come out of his death,” she explained. “The hospice does amazing work and we will always be grateful to them for their support when Paul was ill.”
To support Ms Fletcher’s fundraising, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/jane-fletcher49
Alex Brewer
Taking on his third marathon is nurse Alex Brewer, who is hoping to beat his target of raising £2,500 for the hospice.
The 25-year-old, who completed the Barcelona Marathon in March, said: “For many years my family have supported St Richard’s and so I wanted to do my bit to secure the future of such a great cause.
“As a nurse myself, I’ve been fortunate enough to see some of their fantastic work first hand.”
To make a donation to Mr Brewer, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/alex-brewer2