People in Bedfordshire are being encouraged to lace up their trainers and take on a virtual running, walking or cycling challenge this summer for a local hospice.
With numerous marathons, runs and cycle events cancelled, Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice is searching for people who still want to complete a challenge in 2020 and get that finish line feeling.
Sue Ryder’s Virtual Summer Series is an opportunity for people to choose their own activity and distance. They can complete their challenge in their own time, wherever they want, and raise vital funds for the charity.
Pep (Giuseppe) Marsala, an MOT tester and mechanic at D.O.M.S Autos in Bedford, signed up to the Summer Series and ran 50km (31 miles) during the month of July.
The father-of-two did the challenge in stages of 5k runs around Bedford Park, sometimes accompanied by his youngest child who cycled alongside him.
Pep has raised £550 for the hospice, which is located in Moggerhanger near Bedford and cares for people with life-limiting conditions.
“I supported Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in memory of my nonno (grandfather) Giuseppe, my uncle and our close friends, who spent their days under the hospice’s care,” said Pep.
“They were all such loving, kind-hearted people and I love that I was able to do this in their memory.
“I wanted to support a hospice that is close to my family’s heart and mine. The staff at the hospice are wonderful people, they give everybody in their care the dignity and support they deserve.
“It means so much, what they have done for us, for the people we have now lost, at the hardest time of their lives. You can’t put a value on it.”
Hayley Webb, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “Thank you so much to Pep and his family and friends for your kind support and fantastic fundraising – we are really impressed by your determination and early morning runs.
“We are searching for people to join Pep and sign up for our Virtual Summer Series. If your run or cycle race has been cancelled this year, this is your opportunity to complete it virtually. Or perhaps you want to set yourself a new challenge. Do the distance in your own time, wherever you want, and get that finish line feeling.
“You will be helping to raise vital funds so we can be there when it matters for local families at a time when they need us most. For example, £140 could pay for a hospice nurse for a day, helping people live the best life they can. Sign up today at www.sueryder.org/summerseries”
You can support Pep through JustGiving: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/doms-autos
To find out more about the Virtual Summer Series, please visit www.sueryder.org/summerseries or contact the hospice’s fundraising team at stjohnsfundraising@sueryder.org or call 01767 642 412.
