At 79, Stephen Lea is taking part in his 16th Great West Run half marathon race in May. While his times might have slowed a little, raising money for Hospiscare certainly hasn’t!
If all goes to plan, the Exeter University Emeritus Professor will take his total past £10,000 – money that provides specialist end-of-life care for patients across Exeter, central and east Devon.
Stephen has his own, very personal, motivation:
“My much-loved mother-in-law died in the hospice. She was very well looked after. It was such a huge relief getting her into the hospice after the confusion and pain of the hospital experience.”
“Every year it asks, ‘are you doing this in memory of someone?’ and every year we write her name.”
Stephen Lea competing in his first Great West Run in 2006
Stephen’s first Great West Run was in 2006, and each year he competes alongside one, or all, of his three sons who also live in Devon. In the build-up to May’s race, they will increase their endurance and stamina with regular training runs.
Over the years, Stephen has kept a fundraising spread sheet which shows he’s raised precisely £9,505 so far:
“So, this year’s target is going to be £495 although I seriously hope we’ll get more than that and take us comfortably through a £10,000 total.”
“My friends, colleagues and family have always been amazingly generous, and I’m confident they’ll support us again.”
“Those who turn out to cheer us on the day also make a big difference.”
“The Hospiscare ‘clap’ brigade is very important. They seem to be able to get to about six different places around the course and we all wear Hospiscare running vests and they all see us coming and clap us and hoot us. That’s really good.”
Stephen will be joined on this year’s run by his son Hugh, who said:
“Dad’s an absolute inspiration to me. I started running again because he was, and the money he raises goes to an amazing cause. My grandmother died in the Hospice, and it matters so much to me.”
The £10,000 target may be on the horizon, but Stephen won’t stop there. He has a final running ambition:
“I do want to do one more. Next year I will be 80 and I want to be in that V80 class of runners, at least once!”
“Hospiscare needs the funding, and at the moment I can still do it.”
Stephen is one of many Great West Run entrants who choose Hospiscare as their nominated charity.
Corporate and Events Co-ordinator Alice Pragnell said:
“It’s difficult to put into words what Stephen’s support means to Hospiscare – but year after year, he has stepped up to help ensure we can be there for our patients and their loved ones when they need us most.”
“When you think of the comfort, compassion and expert care that has rippled out into our community and the countless lives that have been touched thanks to Stephen’s efforts, that really is something incredibly special.”
“So, thank you, Stephen, from all of us at Hospiscare. We’re looking forward to cheering you on this year (and next)!”
The Great West Run takes place on Sunday 24 May.
We still have charity places available for both the half marathon and 10k. Please click here to find out more and join Team Hospiscare.
If running isn’t your thing but you’d like to show your support by donating, please click here.
If you’d like to donate to Hospiscare through Stephen, his Just Giving page is here
You can also email events@hospiscare.co.uk to join the Hospiscare Cheer Squad
Watch our Hospiscare film with Stephen below:
