I know. A very specific number. That’s because it represents the 76,490 episodes of care delivered by Marie Curie nurses and hospice teams in 2025. Every kilometre stands for someone being looked after at one of the hardest moments of their life. Not in a big dramatic way. Just properly. Kindly. When it really counts.

Running used to be my thing. Before university I ran all the time. Since coming to uni I have, very impressively, done absolutely none. This will be my first time properly putting trainers on in years, which makes the whole thing feel slightly ambitious and slightly ill advised.

I’m doing it to raise money for Marie Curie who provide end of life care for people who need it, and support for the families around them. It’s the sort of care you only really notice when you or someone you love needs it, and by then it matters more than almost anything else.

The money raised will support Marie Curie’s work in the North East, specifically the Companion Volunteer Service, which helps people facing terminal illness feel less alone through emotional and practical support, and the North East Clinical Educator role, which supports and trains nurses and carers so care is delivered with dignity and kindness, not just efficiency.

Part of the fundraising also supports DUCFS Launchpad, which uses creativity, music and the arts to build connection in the local community.

For transparency, 92% of what’s raised goes directly to Marie Curie’s North East services, with the remaining 8% supporting Launchpad. Every penny of your donation will go to those causes.

If you’re able to donate, thank you so much. You’ll be helping fund care that puts people first, and you’ll also be giving me a very good reason to actually follow through and finish the runs.