First half-marathon raises hospice funds in grandad’s memory
LAUREN Whitehead took on the Stafford Half Marathon to help raise funds for the local charity who cared for her grandad.
Lauren from Stoke on Trent started running in October 2022 as a way of keeping fit.
She soon got the hang of it and was able to build her endurance up from regular 5k runs to joining her local running club.
She continued to train, participated in races and 10km runs when she decided that the next challenge was going to be a half marathon.
On the 23rd March, she put on her running shoes and tackled her first ever half marathon. Lauren decided to raise funds for St David’s Hospice as a way to give something back for the care that her grandfather received.
Lauren tells us about the experience her grandad had at St David’s Hospice,
“I have chosen to support St David’s Hospice because they looked after my grandad when he had cancer and provided excellent support in many ways.
“Not only was he able to go for respite care and excellent pain management reviews, but he also enjoyed the weekly activity sessions.
“These made such a difference to his quality of life in the final stages of cancer.
“I hope the money I raise can help to continue the excellent support St David’s hospice provide to patients and their families.”
St David’s Hospice Challenge Fundraiser, Shannon Kelly thanks Lauren: “We’re all incredibly grateful to Lauren and her amazing efforts to raise money for St David’s Hospice.
“Without people like Lauren, we wouldn’t be able to provide the vital care and support to the people in our community who need it.
“Thank you Lauren for not only challenging yourself but helping us to keep our doors open.”
Fundraisers like this are essential to helping St David’s Hospice provide hospice care to their patients.
This year it will cost over £6.7million to be able to provide these services in Anglesey, Conwy and Gwynedd.
Lauren has smashed her target of £250 and has managed to raise a fantastic £325 for St David’s Hospice!
If you would like to make a donation to Lauren’s fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lauren-whitehead6