I have chosen to run the Eastbourne Half Marathon on Sunday 23 February 2025 and welcome donations to help reach my fundraising target. This is my third marathon in 12 months, and quite possibly my last… for a while!

Why Eastbourne when I live in Norfolk? Well let me tell you,

My nanny, Edna, was an inspirational matriarch of the family, not only did she devote her working career to helping others through nursing but she also fundraised and volunteered for St Wilfrid’s, a community where people talk openly about dying, live well until the end of their life and where nobody dies alone, afraid or in pain.

Nanny worked at St Wilfred’s when it opened to patients in 1983. She loved her role as a Health Care Assistant and only left, reluctantly, when she past retirement age and became “uninsurable”, which was probably wise given her calamitous luck!

But she soon returned as a volunteer to St Wilfrid’s Day Centre and would often be found accompanying patients during their transportation to and from the hospice, whilst likely talking their ears off!

Spanning many years both Nanny and her husband, Grandad Ted, were actively involved with fundraising which included regular appearances in the annual pantomime. She also became a regular helper at St Wilfrid’s fetes, where Nanny laid claim to the “bottle stall” for many years!!

In June 2022, Nanny was offered end of life care at St Wilfred’s but wanted to see her last days out at home. The support our family received from the hospice Helpline and the Community Nursing Service was invaluable and I am proud to be able to support them in their fundraising efforts as well as running in memory of the fabulous woman herself, Edna Lee.