Friends Complete Marathon to Express Gratitude for Hospice Care

A group of five friends, brought together by shared grief, ran a marathon to show their appreciation for the hospice that looked after their terminally-ill relatives. Jecinta Noble, Sarah Ireland, Amanda Evans, Della Brooker, and Susie Hill, originating from Swindon and Poole, finished the Frankfurt Marathon on October 27, raising £3,000 for Prospect Hospice in Swindon. Ms. Hill, 45, ran the full course, with the other participants completing the route in a relay format. Ms. Noble stated, “The care my mum received in her last days was phenomenal, as well as the support given to us, her family. Nothing was too much for the Prospect team.” The 47-year-old further commented, “We thought challenging ourselves to run a marathon was a great way to say thank you and to help other families in the same way Prospect helped us.” Ms. Hill, who was the most experienced marathon runner among the group, completed the race in three hours and three minutes, marking a personal best. She expressed, “We’re overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from friends and family; we can’t believe we’ve raised so much to help the hospice continue its vital work.” Jane Farmery, representing the Prospect Hospice Inpatient Unit, remarked: “This is such an amazing achievement. “Our specialist clinical team was honoured to care for Jecinta’s mum, Carole, at the hospice, and provide remote care for Sarah’s dad, Steve. We are so grateful we could offer support to their respective families too.” The hospice, situated in Wroughton, delivers complimentary end-of-life care around the clock, every day of the week. Its yearly operational expenses amount to £8 million, with 75% of this funding derived from contributions by the community. The charitable organization extends its services across Swindon and north east Wiltshire, encompassing areas such as Royal Wootton Bassett, Marlborough, and Pewsey, in addition to Lechlade and Fairford within Gloucestershire. Ms. Farmery further explained, “This donation could enable us to provide 14 night sits so that families can rest with peace of mind that their loved one is being well cared for.”