RUNNERS gather at the North Devon Hospice with Emma Seymour-Sloan of sponsors Farm and Cottage Holidays

ELEVEN runners will be taking part in the London Marathon this year on behalf of the North Devon Hospice, all kitted out with their own personalised running vests, courtesy of Farm and Cottage Holidays.

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The charitable runners Ali Whittaker, Andrew Wooff, Andrew Burrell, Bob Parmenter, Nel O’Carroll, Neil Bright, Claire Meech, Helen Heard, Jo-Ann McLoughlin, Jo Holmes and Sue McManus all have their own special reasons for helping the hospice.

Sue McManus said: “I want to do something really challenging for a cause that is close to the hearts of everyone in North Devon. What the hospice does for local families is just incredible, so although it will be a personal achievement to complete the marathon, the motivation of raising money for the hospice will be getting me around the course.”

Jo Holmes added: “My aunt was looked after for by North Devon Hospice when she was ill with cancer. She was taken great care of during those years, and made to be as comfortable as possible. The level of dedication and attention she received made the world of difference, and the hospice continues to support my family now that she has died. By running the London Marathon, I am hoping to raise as much money as possible for this amazing charity.”

For Claire Meech, this will be the second consecutive year she has tackled the London Marathon in aid of the hospice.

“I am now under no illusions of how tough it will be,” she said. “But, you also get an immense feeling of satisfaction by running 26 miles and doing it all to help North Devon Hospice. I have learned more and more about the work they do and it seems there is barely a family in North Devon who hasn’t benefitted from their care and support.”

The runners have also benefitted from the skills of sports masseur John Spurr, from the Rose and Crown clinic in South Molton, who has given his time to help the runners through their tough training regimes and will also assist their recovery after their gruelling run.

To find out about the many different ways in which you can support North Devon Hospice, call Gerard on 01271 347224 or visit www.northdevonhospice.org.uk.