Octogenarian Exmouth resident Jenny Richardson and her canine companion Alfie are putting their best feet forward this October to walk a ‘Marathon in a Month’ in aid of Hospiscare.
88-year old Jenny and Alfie, aged 77 in dog years, have decided to beat their lockdown blues and support local people facing a terminal illness by signing up to our charity’s latest fundraising challenge after seeing a poster calling for participants of any age and ability.
Jenny explains, “Since March, Alfie and I haven’t had much motivation, but on one of my first outings after lockdown, I saw a poster for a Hospiscare challenge which said it was for ‘Any AGE or ABILITY’. I thought to myself, ‘I may not have much of the second attribute but I have plenty of the first’! It seemed exactly the motivation we needed and by signing up to walk Hospiscare’s Marathon in a Month, we can help others at the same time.
“It will be a challenge, especially on ‘lazier’ days and when my arthritis plays up but on those days I shall think of the folk that have been given a terminal diagnosis and the huge challenges that they, and their families, have to face every day.”
Sarah Smith, Head of Public Fundraising at Hospiscare, commented: “I’m in awe of Jenny’s commitment to help Hospiscare care for local people facing a terminal diagnosis. As a small local charity, 85% of our funding comes from people like Jenny who are determined to help others when they need it most.
“Hospiscare provides award-winning specialist end-of-life care and support for patients and their loved ones across the heart of Devon, so they can make the most of the remaining time they have together. We simply couldn’t provide that care without the support of our wonderful local community.”
Sarah adds, “The Marathon in a Month challenge really is for everyone. Keen runners can do it in one go or by completing two half marathons, while those of us less fit can do a little bit every day. However you do it is entirely up to you and participants also choose their own route.”
Marathon in a Month runs throughout October. It costs £10 to register or £5 for children and dogs. To find out how to take part, click here. To sponsor Jenny and Alfie in their marathon challenge, click here.
