Two dedicated runners have sprinted to success, raising £3,472 for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice.
Jacob Fordham from St Neots and Angus Macdonald from Potton took to the streets on a very soggy Sunday October 4, to complete 26.2 miles.
They were due to take part in this year’s London Marathon, which was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. But it didn’t stop them – and they decided to do the distance ‘virtually’ on what would have been the day of the marathon instead.
Jacob Fordham chose a route around his local area of St Neots and Cambridge in memory of his grandfather Bill, who was cared for at the Bedfordshire hospice in November 2018.
“The thought of grandad looking down on me with a massive smile on his face as I crossed the finish line means the world,” said Jacob, who raised £1,532.
“I had heard about Sue Ryder but I didn’t really know what they did until my grandad was taken into Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice.
“My grandad was diagnosed with terminal cancer and the nurses were amazing in their care in the last days of his life. They were also amazing for the support that they gave to my nan and the rest of our family during these difficult times.
“It was only then that I really understood how much the charity does and how much the charity relies on donations, as big or small as these might be. I wanted to run the marathon for Sue Ryder as I can’t think of a more deserved charity and one which has touched the hearts of so many.”
Elsewhere, fellow marathon runner and town councillor Angus Macdonald took to the streets in and around Potton.
He braved the elements to do a 23 mile run before breakfast, followed by a 3.2 mile dog walk to make up his marathon miles.
“We are fortunate here in the north east corner of Bedfordshire to have Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, providing excellent care and support for those who need it,” said Angus, who raised £1,940 through fundraising activities such as selling face masks and pocket dolls with his daughter on Potton market.
“I’ve seen the difference it makes to friends and neighbours who have needed to use St John’s Hospice for their loved ones, and listened to the praise they have for the dedicated staff and health professionals.
“It is essential that these hospices are around to support all of us, if we are ever in need.”
Hayley Webb, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “A huge congratulations to Angus and Jacob who pulled on their trainers to complete the cancelled 40th London Marathon virtually in support of our hospice.
“At Sue Ryder, we give supporters such as Angus and Jacob the name ‘Team Incredible’ because they take on amazing challenges and raise vital funds to ensure we can continue providing our compassionate palliative care and bereavement support.
“We are really grateful to Angus and Jacob; their support will help us to be there for people at the most difficult time of their lives.
“If you are feeling inspired to take on your own challenge of a lifetime, applications are now open to join the 2021 team at www.sueryder.org/london”
You can support Jacob through JustGiving: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jacoblondonmarathon
You can support Angus through JustGiving: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/angus-macdonald9
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