Running for Lisa – Why We’re Taking on the Brentwood Half Marathon

Lisa was a loving mum and wife and on Sunday 22nd March her husband Peter and their daughter Abbie will be running the Brentwood Half Marathon in her memory. Their eldest daughter Beckie will also be supporting them every step of the way, along with family and close friends. Here Peter, Beckie and Abbie share why running and raising funds for Saint Francis Hospice means so much to them.... 

Saint Francis Hospice cared for Lisa in her final days. Although her time there was short, she felt completely at peace. She knew she – and all of us – were in safe, compassionate hands. Taking on this challenge together feels like the right way to honour her, to talk about her, and to give something back to the place that held our family through the hardest moments of our lives. 

Lisa was an amazing wife and mum – loving, kind, selfless and quietly courageous. She always put others before herself, even when she was unwell. She had a warmth and a smile that people naturally gravitated to, and a laugh we can still hear when we think of her. We’re incredibly proud of the woman she was and will always cherish the memories we shared. 

When Lisa went into Saint Francis Hospice, the support we received was incredible. The team created a calm, peaceful environment at a time when everything felt overwhelming. Even the smallest gestures meant the world. One of the things we treasure most are the knitted hearts they gave us – one for Lisa, and one for each of us. Abbie and Beckie still hold theirs tight whenever they miss their mum, and it brings real comfort knowing Lisa had hers too. 

We were able to stay overnight with her at the hospice, something we will never forget. Being by her side and surrounding her with love meant everything. And even in the toughest moments, the hospice brought gentle smiles – like on Lisa’s first day, when the drinks trolley arrived, and she momentarily lit up thinking the Bacardi was for her. She didn’t actually have any, but that smile is a memory we’ll always hold close. 

Saint Francis Hospice didn’t just care for Lisa; they cared for us, our extended family and some close friends too. They made sure we were eating, drinking, and felt supported. They gave us comfort not only during Lisa’s final days, but afterwards as well. Knowing she passed peacefully, surrounded by her family, has been a huge part of our healing. To us, the staff at Saint Francis Hospice are real-life angels. 

Running the Brentwood Half Marathon is our way of giving something back so other families can receive the same compassion and care we did. For Peter, training has become a space to think, breathe and feel connected to Lisa. Running offers quiet moments to reflect, to process, and to keep her memory alive. 

We’ll be part of a team of eight on the day: Peter, Abbie, Lisa’s brother Paul, our long-time friend Keith, our brother-in-law Andrew, Andrew’s son-in-law Jamie, and two friends from our regular Saturday Parkrun group, Kelly and Lisa. Knowing we’ll be running with people who all carry Lisa in their hearts makes it even more meaningful. 

Our fundraising began with a Bonfire, Burger and Banger Night at home back in November. Around 90 family and friends came together to support us, and through ticket sales, a BBQ, a cocktail bar, raffle tickets and a “Shuffle for Saint Francis” game, we raised over £2,600 in one evening. We were blown away by everyone’s generosity and love. 

Saint Francis also cared for my Dad in 2022, so supporting the hospice means supporting the people who have supported us.  Raising money for them means helping other families who will one day find themselves needing the same compassion and care that we did. If what we do can support even one more person or family, then it’s worth every step. 

To support, visit Peter, Abbie and Beckie’s fundraising page - Peter Salter is fundraising for Saint Francis Hospice