A Saltaire runner is lacing up her trainers for the Virgin Money London Marathon next month to raise vital funds for the hospice where she worked for over a decade.
55-year-old Helen Livingstone, who is now retired, is taking on the 26.2 mile distance on Sunday 3 October in aid of Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope, where she worked as a specialist palliative care consultant from 2003-2018.
The hospice provides expert and compassionate care, advice and support to people across Bradford, Wharfedale, Airedale and Craven who are living with life-limiting conditions, as well as supporting their families.
Helen has been a keen runner for many years and this is the third time she is taking part in the London Marathon. She will also be running the Berlin Marathon the week before after her 2020 place was deferred due to the coronavirus pandemic.
She said: “I have decided that this will be my last marathon and so I wanted to do it for a cause that is close to my heart. I loved my time working at the hospice and I wanted to show the team that I am still supporting them even though I don’t work there anymore.
“I know first-hand how important it is that people are looked after towards the end of their life, and what difference it makes to them and their family. Everyone has had a really tough time during the pandemic and this feels like the right time to give something back.”
Hayley Ibbotson, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to Helen for showing her ongoing support of our hospice by taking on this iconic challenge. We remain heavily reliant on individuals donating and fundraising for us, and every pound will help us to continue to offer our compassionate care and support to local people and their families – and fill someone’s last days with love.”
Applications for the TCS London Marathon 2022 are now open. To apply to run for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, visit: sueryder.org/support-us/fundraise/events/tcs-london-marathon-2022
