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We care for 500 in patients and make more than 5,000 home visits a year.
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Saint Francis Hospice Running Team needs YOU!
28 January 2011
Saint Francis Hospice is extremely excited about their Running Team this year, with 45 London Marathon runners and 60 people in the Brentwood Half Marathon, we are overwhelmed by the support.
Not only that, but we have some fantastic stories. One couple will be tying the knot as they run the London Marathon in memory of the groom’s sister (keep your eyes peeled for more on that story) and the inspiring 86-year-old Paul Freedman will be taking on his 20th marathon. Paul, from Hornchurch, aims to complete the gruelling 26.2 mile long Virgin London Marathon in under six hours.
Before April, he also hopes to run the Brentwood Half Marathon, the Silverstone Half Marathon and the Saint Francis Hospice Santathon, all to raise funds for the hospice. “You just have to fit these things in. My target was always to try and do 500 miles from the beginning of the year to the marathon in training,” he said.
Since he started running at the age of 61, Paul has had to dedicate an entire room in his home for medals, after spending the last 25 years competing in as many half marathons, fun runs and races as he can.
“I’m very attached,” he said. “Once you’ve run a marathon you either say never again or you can’t wait for the next one. I am definitely the latter.”
As a result of running and tireless fundraising, Paul has raised well over £50,000 for Saint Francis Hospice. He was awarded an MBE in 2008 recognising his lifelong commitment to fundraising.
All of our runners have inspiring stories, and we can’t wait to gather a huge team of supporters dressed in bright orange to cheer them on the day.
So how would you fancy joining the team? As part of the SFH Running Team, you will be invited to training days, workshops and a pasta night. You will also have a special hospice running vest – and have the fundraising team cheering you on the day.
Your support will help ensure that we can keep providing specialist care to people living with a life limiting illness in our community. Here is how the money you raise could help:
£50 pays for an hour of nursing care in a patient’s home.
£100 could pay for therapy materials for five bereaved children for use in their counselling sessions.
£500 would fund two outpatients’ weekly visits to the day hospice, where they have access to medical care, can get creative with arts and crafts, could have their hair done or some complementary therapy, or just sit and have a gossip with others.
If you have your own place in either of these events and keen to support the hospice, please let us know – we would love you to become part of the SFH Running Team. Or perhaps you know someone who may be interested? If you would like to find out more about joining our team, give Lauren a call on 01708 771405 or email fundraising@sfh.org.uk, and we will see you at the finish line!
