Press release: 05/05/2023
Hospice runners’ marathon magic!
Hats off to the intrepid team of twelve local heroes who put themselves through months of tough preparation to run this year’s TCS London Marathon on behalf of The Hospice of the Good Shepherd.
Brave and blistered, they also proved themselves record-breakers, collectively raising over £40,000 through sponsorship to enable the hospice team to continue caring for local individuals in the final chapter of their lives, and their families.
“This year’s team of runners have broken all records in terms of marathon fundraising and we are so incredibly grateful for all the time, dedication and sacrifice that they put in,” said hospice fundraiser Alison Dunbar who helped organise and support this year’s runners.
“Every single member of the team completed the 26.2-mile course, despite some of the wettest conditions ever experienced. That’s a fantastic achievement and the difference they’ve made to our work is just massive.”
Alison added: “Like everyone else, we’re facing some big financial challenges: this total is amazing and will really help. It will be as much welcomed as appreciated by everyone at the hospice.”
The team included two hospice colleagues, Trustee Neil Fergusson and Patient Support Worker Amanda McPhee, together with local GP Dr Angharad Fletcher on her tenth marathon and Matt Smith on his first!
Matt, a member of Chester Road Runners, is a veteran of the hospice Christmas tree collection team and a keen supporter of the hospice’s work. “It was an amazing experience and thoroughly enjoyable,” said Matt. “Well worth the effort for such a great cause,” he added.
Dr Angharad Fletcher’s impressive running CV includes ten marathons, 180 half marathons and a 50-mile ultramarathon.
“As a local GP, I refer patients and families into the hospice and I know what a hugely important place it is. The comfort and symptom control patients receive at the end of their lives and the support given to families is extraordinary,” commented the Chester Triathlon Club member.
“I smiled nearly every step of the way: it was enormous privilege to be part of such a phenomenal event and running amongst mass participants raising £millions for charities is very humbling.”
Angharad, a hospice Santa Dash runner, hopes to run again for the hospice: “I feel an enormous sense of pride to have raised some money for such a worthwhile cause and the support from the hospice was incredible throughout,” she added.
Also running for the hospice were Amanda French, Chris Sannwald, Heather Ashcroft, Lizzie Eite, Rebecca Arner, Ruth Akesson, Sarah Humes and Scott Hughes.
If you would like to follow in the footsteps of this year’s runners and get a guaranteed place for the 2024 London Marathon, email Alison for more information at fundraising@hospicegs.com or call 01244 851811