Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page. Here are our individual stories and motivations!

LIZ’S STORY

There were 2 positive outcomes of 2020’s lockdown – one was the opportunity to start running again - with nothing much else to do – the gyms closed, our business ‘on hold’ and with our sports mad daughter Emily stranded at home it filled the time and it kept me sane and healthy!

Secondly and probably more importantly it resulted in a newfound friendship with Amy. We knew each other vaguely through work but started to run together initially for company but as we improved, started to set ourselves new challenges. In 2021 we completed numerous half marathons and other longer races so decided that the ultimate challenge would be a full marathon – which led us to the Adidas Manchester Marathon taking place 16^th April.

What a journey its turning out to be…..we cover a lot of ground on our training runs -  both literally and the time spent putting the world to rights as we trot round! We both agreed that if we were putting all this time and effort into the training that we try and raise some cash for a good cause. Deciding who to support was probably the hardest decision given there are so many worthy causes out there – I’ve lost family and friends to various illnesses – some of whom have had hospice care.  I’ve seen and experienced first-hand the kindness and compassion they offer to families through terminal illness and at end of life and still find it hard to believe that they have to rely so heavily on donations. So – cutting a very long story short – we’re raising money for Trinity Hospice Blackpool – anything you can give will be gratefully received.

Whatever happens – we’ll do this – I’m hoping it won’t come to it but if needs be, I’ll be crawling or being dragged over the finish line – it won’t be pretty that’s for sure but anyone who knows me will know that it WILL happen - whatever it takes.

AMY’S STORY

I discovered running in 2015. I was going through a difficult and mentally challenging time in my life and found running as a natural well-being boost. It made me feel in control. It was a distraction. My first runs were only short, just around my village, then as I became fitter, I found I was able to run further…..and for longer.

I always had doubts. Never feeling that I’d be good enough to run with a friend, or in a group, and never ever being able to take part in a 10km or even half marathon race with others. 

Fast forward to 2023; I’ve completed a competitive 10 mile road race, 3 half marathons and a few 10km since 2021. And now I’m training for a full marathon with my running partner, Liz. Liz and I have known each other for many years, on a professional level, and we paired up during Covid to run together on Saturday mornings; using the hour or so to chat through anything and everything - from what’s on the menu for dinner that night to the next ‘must watch’ box set! We rarely miss our weekly run together - going out in all weathers. Together we’re stronger!!

I remember the exact moment when we decided to sign up for the Manchester marathon. It was New Years Eve and our last run of 2022. A mere 13km - Week 1of our training plan! We were running in the beautiful Fylde countryside down one of our favourite roads, just passed my in-law’s house in Great Plumpton - chatting about New Year’s resolutions and challenges (we chat a lot!). Working towards this Marathon challenge together makes me feel so lucky for the friendship with Liz that running has given me and the training has given me a sense of discipline that I have never experienced before. 

I’ll be running my first marathon to support the Trinity Hospice in Blackpool. This incredible charity has been providing exceptional hospice care and support to patients and their families for over 35 years. The hospice provides vital services, including end-of-life care, bereavement support, and complementary therapies, to many people in our area.

Running the marathon will not be easy, but the patients and families supported by Trinity Hospice face much more significant challenges every day. Your donations will help ensure that the hospice can continue to provide the high-quality care and support that is so essential to their patients and families. Every donation counts, and your contribution will go directly towards supporting the vital work of the hospice.  Thank you for your support, and I look forward to crossing the finish line with your help.