Leigh’s on the run for charity this weekend

PASSED TARGET

HOW are you spending the bank holiday weekend?

Lutterworth optician Leigh Williams will be running in his second half marathon, The Great Birmingham Run 2022, in memory of his father-in-law, who died recently from cancer.

Leigh will be raising funds for Marie Curie, whose nurses supported and cared for them all during his final days.

Due to Covid restrictions, both Leigh and his wife were exhausted both mentally and physically as they provided 24-hour care alongside the district nurses and palliative care team.

The Marie Curie nurses team was also struggling to step in with assistance because, due to a lack of fundraising during the pandemic, there were only three nurses available in all of Leicestershire and Rutland.

The family were lucky enough to get a Marie Curie nurse for the final days of care for Leigh’s father-in-law, affectionately known as Pappy.

The nurse was also able to assist after his death, helping the couple notify the relevant authorities and talking them through the initial shock and sadness of the bereavement.

When asked about choosing to run for Marie Curie, Leigh said: “Nothing was too much trouble for them.

“For those who do not have a support network, Marie Curie nurses are angels, and I wanted to give something back for the priceless gift we had in the hope someone else who needs an angel gets one when they need one.”

Leigh, pictured, who is dispensing optician and practice manager at

Edmonds & Slatter Opticians in Lutterworth’s High Street, is hoping for a personal best tomorrow, although the Birmingham course is a tough one.

He initially aimed to raise £300 for Marie Curie, but has already exceeded that, with his total standing at £360 yesterday lunchtime.

If you would like to donate, search “Leigh Williams” (use the quote marks) at:

RUNNING TOTAL FOR NURSES HAS ALREADY