Taking on running challenge in memory of beloved granddad

Working in the Fundraising Team at North Devon Hospice, I get to hear every single day just how much of a difference having the care and support of the hospice makes to local people facing their toughest times. But it’s not just my job that allows me to understand the impact of this vital charity.

Around 10 years ago, my grandad Jim was cared for at home by the amazing community team here at North Devon Hospice after experiencing organ failure.

At the time, he was living with my parents, who were supporting him through the early stages of him feeling unwell. However, as things progressed, his pain increased and the care he required became more complex. This is when we were put in touch with North Devon Hospice.

Having never experienced it before, I had no idea about end-of-life care and the breadth of support the hospice can provide not just to patients but to their families too.

As such, I was blown away by the care and kindness the nurses showed my grandad in his final days and how they made us all feel so at ease at what was an incredibly stressful time.

I saw first-hand the difference they made to his pain management and how their visits gave my mum and dad, who were caring for grandad 24/7, a well-earned break.

At the end of his life, I witnessed a peaceful passing for a special person and saw how even after grandad’s death, the hospice continued to support my family, especially my mum who received counselling and holistic therapy.

We will be forever grateful for everything they did for us.

 This year, to honour my grandad’s memory and give something back to the hospice in what will be their 40th anniversary year, I’ve decided to take on a challenge that is sure to put me through my paces - the North Devon Half Marathon.

Every year, places in the North Devon Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10k sell out in advance, with runners returning year after year. And it’s not difficult to see why.

Above: The North Devon Marathon and Half Marathon

Taking place along the stunning North Devon coast, this iconic race leads competitors along a route (varying in length) with a reputation of being as beautiful as it is tough.

Starting from the idyllic surf village of Woolacombe, those taking part will tread sections of the South West Coast Path and the North Devon Coast National Landscape, soaking in the stunning views as they go and pushing hard to cross that long-awaited finish line before enjoying a delicious cream tea at the end. This is Devon after all!

While this race won’t be easy, I know that every step I take will mean other families just like mine can be cared for, comforted, and supported by the hospice at a time when it really does matter most.

This June, join me in pushing your limits to support the amazing work of North Devon Hospice by signing up for the North Devon Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10k today.

Visit northdevonmarathon.co.uk to find out more.