#thankyouthursday

Jane, from Castleford put on her running shoes at the weekend and ran an incredible 13.1 miles, to raise over £700 for our Hospice.

Starting from home and finishing at the Hospice, Jane had never run a half marathon before, yet completed the route in just 2 hours, 9 minutes. Completing her challenge at the Hospice was the perfect motivator to get her through the last gruelling three miles which she found tough.

Talking about the run Jane said; 'I wanted to put the lockdown situation to good use, I am normally working overseas but being at home gave me a lot more time to get out running. I needed a personal challenge and also wanted to help during this crisis, so the idea was born. I knew it would be tough going running it without the thousands of other runners you normally get at organised events and the thousands of spectators who line the route.'

Jane's family and friends really got behind her to spur her on to complete the challenge, Jane said;
'I had great support from family and friends, a small group saw me off at the start, despite the rain. Some cheered me on during the run itself as well as waiting for me at the end. My husband provided my backup support, throughout the route and he live streamed onto Facebook, so many of my friends around the globe were able to watch my progress. Many had donated so it proved a great way for them to follow my efforts. On the final leg, from Castleford to the Hospice, my neighbour Paul Darley, husband of your very own Amanda Darley, Deputy Chief Exec, ran with me (social distancing observed) to help me conquer those final hills. He was joined at the bottom of Halfpenny Lane by my friend, Linda Bedford, who also encouraged me up the final hill when my legs didn’t want to do it! She also made me a finishers medal which was so thoughtful.'

Thinking of completing a challenge for the Hospice? Take Jane's advice: 'Just do it! We are all in this together and hospices are playing such a vital role in supporting families and in supporting the NHS, we need to support them too.'