SEVEN fund-raisers will be running the London Marathon on Sunday (April 26) to raise vital funds for the Primrose Hospice.
Gemma Frohlich, Fiona Quinn, Becky Johnstone, Mark Terry, Tom Barrett, Paul Stanfield and James Ince, who will all tackle the 26.2 mile race on Sunday (April 26), have so far raised more than £10,500 between them and more is expected to come in.
They have all pledged their sponsorship money to the cause inspired by a number of reasons.
Fiona, who is from Bromsgrove, said she was doing the marathon because of a very special friend who had been diagnosed twice with two different tumours and was currently undergoing treatment.
She added: “Her attitude is amazing and she is a joy to be around – she has also had therapy at the Primrose and volunteers there.
“Also my niece Grace has volunteered for the hospice and is shortly off to university to train as a nurse – these two lovely ladies are my inspiration.”
Mark will be doing the run in memory of his mum, Lynnette Terry, who was from Bromsgrove and sadly passed away in 2008 after fighting a long battle with cancer. She was also cared for at the Primrose Hospice in her final days.
Mark said: “In recognition of the fantastic staff and facilities I’ll be running the 26.2 miles to raise as much money as possible to support the continued provision of these essential services.”
Paul will be tackling the challenge in memory of the brother of a close friend of his wife’s, who was also a fellow Bromsgrovian, but sadly passed away last September. He was also cared for by the charity.
Paul is also using the big event to finish his 25-year long running career with a bang. He said he had a worn out knee but was determined to complete the London Marathon, which he would be attempting for the first time.
“The Primrose Hospice is a local charity, they offer end of life care to patients suffering from cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.
“I am aiming to raise as much money as I can for this worthwhile charity.
“I may not be fast but I will get to the end – if you feel able to support me, I would be very grateful.”
Becky, who has already raised £1,300 for the charity, said: “London marathon day is really a sight to behold and of all the years I have spent watching and supporting people I can’t believe it’s going to be me on the other side of the barriers this year actually running the 26.2 miles.”
Helen Garfield, the hospice’s chief executive, said she would like to thank everyone who was taking on the immense challenge in order to raise money for the hospice, which needed to find £1.6million each year to continue its free service for local people.
“It is a real tribute to our staff and volunteers that our services are appreciated and valued and it is absolutely wonderful these seven people want to support us by fund-raising in this way.
“I wish them a very successful day and not too many blisters or pulled muscles.”
Visit www.primrosehospice.org/donations or call 01527 875444 to support the group’s fund-raising mission.
Mark Terry ready for the big day. (s)
Fiona Quinn. (s)
