After running over the finishing line in Newcastle last September and feeling unbelievably proud to complete my first ever half marathon, raising over £1000 for Wigan and Leigh Hospice in the process, I received news that the money raised had kept a bed open for 2 and a half days of care. Now for most people, myself included, that was a little bit shocking. But it gave everyone an understanding of just how much fundraising the hospice needs. As most of you know, I have always had an incredible amount of gratitude, respect and admiration for the hospice and the staff. Especially as they did their utmost to fulfill mums wishes. Nothing was too much trouble and money wasn't an object with her care in her last few weeks and days. 

All donations I received for the Great North Run, literally gave another family in Wigan the exact same care and comfort we received.

I knew the Half Marathon had physically took it’s toll on me and to be perfectly honest it was one of the hardest things I’d ever achieved, but despite all this, the thought of how proud Mum would have been and equally how thrilled, motivated me to carry on the training with a view to complete a full marathon! With all these thoughts swirling around, I contacted the hospice a few weeks later to see if they had any charity places for the London Marathon. As my luck would have it someone had withdrawn. Now, when I found out, I was sat in my car and thought, “Oh my word Catherine, what have you just agreed too, how on earth are you going to run a Marathon!!”.

Despite the initial shock, here I am with 8 weeks to go, I'm up to 18 miles in my training schedule. It's been a hard regime, but with the support of my wonderful friends and family, I’ve got this far! Now, I'm determined to keep another bed open at Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

As you can see this really does mean so much to me. I have pushed myself through my own physical boundaries to raise money for an extremely worthwhile cause.

I really appreciate anything you can spare as a donation to help keep a bed open at the hospice and to make Mum smile.

Love

Catherine x