This year, Nathaniel, Ethan, and Dad (Jeff) are taking on the challenge of running the Manchester Marathon to raise funds for Pendleside Hospice. This endeavor is a tribute to the memory of Eileen Stanton, a beloved wife, grandmother, and mother.

Continue reading to discover the story behind our run, the cause you'll be supporting, and a glimpse of who we are.

THE INSPIRATION

Eileen Stanton, known to her family as the Imperial Commander, or ImpCom, was both a loving and well loved family member.

A force of nature in personality, she naturally assumed control of any situation, guiding and inspiring us as a family. Always the go-to person, she insisted on infusing joy into our lives and encouraged us to appreciate the humorous side of life. I vividly recall the time she caught me swearing, responding by gifting me a bar of soap for Christmas, accompanied by a note humorously stating, "For when you need to wash your mouth out."

She actively participated in community initiatives, serving as the treasurer of the local cricket club and earning affection as a cherished committee member from both regulars and the players. When living in Worsley, she volunteered for Meals on Wheels and dedicated herself to a program visiting elderly individuals in their homes. She even found time to volunteer with a local primary school, where she helped teach children to read. These community involvements were recognised whe became a finalist for the 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award.

THE CAUSE

Unfortunately, we lost our ImpCom. Having been ill for a while, she was diagnosed with cancer and didn't pursue chemotherapy, a personal choice having already beaten breast cancer a few years before. Watching her deteriorate during my too infrequent visits is the worst I have ever felt.

She was placed in end of life care at Pendleside Hospice.

Almost immediately upon arrival, she seemed to recover her old personality, issuing instructions to her husband John on where to position her bed for the best view. We cannot say more clearly or simply, her care here was superb. The staff were lovely to both Eileen and her husband John, whom they offered the simple, yet most considerate kindness of Weetabix or toast when he was there 24/7, refusing to go home.

Because of the level of care people at Pendleside Hospice gave Eileen, I got to see my Grandma one more time than I expected. My Dad and Grandad got to see her as the mother and wife they remembered for a little while longer.

With your donation, Pendleside can deliver this gift to others, as they are constantly doing, even now.

You can see their work here: https://www.pendleside.org.uk/

THE COMPETITORS

This year, Ethan and Jeff will be joining Nathaniel in running the Manchester Marathon after being talked into it afterquite a few pints by Nathaniel. A decision Jeff and Ethan definitely do not regret at all.

JEFF STANTON - THE VETERAN

ImpCom's son will be running his marathon to remember his Mother, and to put his sons in their place. With dodgy knees (don't mention them, he won't stop talking) and less speed than he recalls having, he'll be relying on experience, having already run 2 marathons, and a series of cunning shortcuts he found when watching Nathaniel's first marathon last year.

NATHANIEL STANTON - THE RUNNER

ImpCom's grandson will be running his marathon to remember his Grandma, and the bragging rights over his Dad for all time victory will bring. This being his first race since injuring himself at last year's Manchester Marathon, he'll be looking to close the gap on his Grandad, who ran 3. He'll rely on actually running for fun in his free time, and the headlong unjustified determination only youth can provide.

ETHAN STANTON - THE AMATEUR

ImpCom's grandson will be running his marathon to remember his Grandma, and to not be the only Stanton to have run 0 marathons. With no running experience except almost missing a bus once, he'll be relying on youth, and the delusion that getting it over with sooner means running faster. He's adamant this will be the only one, but could we see the start of a solid running career? Probably not.

YOUR DONATION

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Anything you can contribute, from a penny to a pound to a post will be greatly appreciated. If you choose to donate, select GiftAid to add 25% from the government.

Feel free to choose your favourite competitor in your comment too.

Donating through JustGiving is easy and secure. They'll never sell your info, or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to Pendleside.