Jess to Run London Marathon for the Hospice!

Virgin Money London Marathon 2021 in aid of St Margaret's Hospice, Somerset

This October, I have the challenge (as I'm not a long distance runner) and privilege of running the London Marathon whilst raising much needed funds for St Margaret's Hospice, Somerset.

At the end of 2020 -- and what a year that was -- my dad died 9 days after a terminal diagnosis. This was at a time where Covid was still inhibiting contact and access to those who needed medical care but even in the hardest of times for us, St Margaret's Hospice in Taunton were the light in the darkness and gave my dad comfort and dignity. The last days were incredibly hard yet their words, advice and support made such a difference.

I applied to support them by running the Marathon as a way to payback and thank them on behalf of my dad and his family but also so they can continue to make a difference to other families whether that be day care, transportation or end of life support.

This comes from the hospice and shows the impact of the money raised:£10 = could pay for transporting a patient to and from their Sunflower Day Care Centres. £100 = could pay for a Specialist Community Nurse to visit a local patient being cared for at home.£500 = could pay for 24 hours of in-patient care for a patient.

I live in Curry Rivel and plan to fundraise within my primary school (I'm a Senior Teacher) now we are all back together along with collecting as many donations as people are able to give.I've raised £350 already.

As 1 in 3 people in Somerset will need their support in their lifetime, it's a charity that could impact on many of us locals.

If you feel you could donate to St Margaret's Hospice, please follow this lin k which to my Just Giving page and all monies go directly to them.

Thank you for reading this article and thank you so much if you would like to support the charity. It's very much appreciated.

Jess Thompsett Curry Rivel