Why are you running and what drew you to fundraise for Severn Hospice?

I’m running in memory of my Dad who was cared for by the hospice team in the last months of his life. Dad was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma (cancer of the bile duct), we were told there was no effective treatment, and that care would be palliative.

Dad was assigned a nurse from Severn Hospice who would visit regularly and offer advice and support.

I know that both Dad and Mum really valued her visits and could contact her for support if needed. In his finally weeks Dad was cared for at the hospice in Bicton. The standard of care and support from all the staff was amazing and ensured that Dad’s last weeks were as comfortable and dignified as possible. Although I was aware of the hospice and the work it did, I hadn’t realised how heavily it relied on fundraising and donations and feel indebted to them for the care that Dad received.

If it is for someone, what would they think of you doing this?

When Dad was still alive, I’d never really done any running and so I think he’d be pretty surprised that I’d signed up to do this but he’d understand why and also hopefully be proud of what I was doing.

What are your biggest fears or is there anything you need to overcome?

Fitting in the training along with a busy family and work life is going to be a challenge and I will definitely have to be efficient with my time management!

What’s your best training incentive? Do you have a favourite motivational song or is it food that keeps you on track? What is it that keeps you going?

The biggest incentive for me to train is the fundraising element. I’m not naturally a runner and don’t usually run regularly so when someone donates that really spurs me on to think that people are donating their hard-earned money to support me and to support the hospice.

What do you want to get out of running in this amazing world-renowned event?

I want to get across the finish line!!

I can’t wait to be part of such an amazing event and after all the hours of training, I will hopefully soak up the atmosphere and I hope that the crowd can get me round!

Inspired by Cath? Click here to donate to her JustGiving page.