Runners taking on marathon challenge to mark 40th anniversary of North Devon Hospice

Two North Devon Hospice staff are going the extra mile – or 26 to be precise – for the cause this April by taking on the London Marathon.

Bronte Farenden and Saf Mabin both work in the communications team the hospice but are now even dedicating their spare time to supporting the vital care provided by the charity.

Training has already begun in earnest and they are collectively hoping to raise £4,000 in honour of the hospice’s 40th anniversary in 2024.

“We are so lucky to see every single day how hospice care changes the lives of so many local people,” said Bronte.

“We see how our amazing care teams make the most difficult times much more bearable, and they even manage to create wonderful moments for the patients and families they look after. This is what inspired us to run the London Marathon for North Devon Hospice.”

Some 90 training runs are ahead of them, building up to the big day in April, with Saf and Bronte pounding the pavements in all weathers.

Saf added: “Training is tough because it’s dark and cold, getting up very early to squeeze our runs into our very busy days.

“But we are motivated by the patients and families we get to meet at the hospice in our working lives. When someone is facing a life-limiting illness like cancer, they deserve to be as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

“They deserve dignity until their final day and they deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing their family will be supported every step of the way. That’s what North Devon Hospice’s incredible care teams provide, and we want to make sure even more people can access this vital support.”

The dynamic duo have plenty of fundraising plans to hit their £4,000 target, including a recent Christmas Quiz at Barnstaple Rugby Club in December, which raised £1,150.

With the hospice marking its 40th anniversary in 2024, the pair thought this was a great opportunity to show their support.

“It is a real privilege to be part of the hospice team because we get to see first-hand how people’s lives are positively impacted,” said Saf.

“We get to be in the room when some beautiful moments take place, and I know those moments are replicated thousands of times over because I think nobody really appreciates the sheer number of people who are supported each year.

“I’m also celebrating my 40th birthday in 2024, so this is a great way to mark the occasion and do something positive. If I think of all the people who have been supported by the hospice in those 40 years, it is quite overwhelming. So I want to do something extra to help make sure this care can be provided to those who need it for the next 40 years.”

To sponsor Saf or Bronte in their endeavours, please visit their JustGiving pages - SAF MABIN or BRONTE FARENDEN