Granddaughter runs marathon distance in Nan’s memory

A granddaughter’s marathon effort in memory of a beloved Nan will raise funds for us.

Having not run since she was a child, Sarah McKay, who lives in Haverhill, has pulled on her trainers and is completing a marathon.

Sarah, who is spurred on to fundraise in memory of her Nan Margaret Gascoine, has until June 21 to complete this 26.2 miles, which she is running over four nights each week.

Mother of four Sarah said: My Nan suffered from lung cancer not once, but twice, unfortunately, she couldn’t beat it in the end.

“She was visited by a lovely lady from the hospice at her home regularly and always talked about her and enjoyed the support the hospice offered and days out to the hospice.

“It was her wish to die there, but due to certain circumstances that couldn’t happen, however, she always talked about the hospice.”

Sarah says Margaret, who had many children and grandchildren, was like a second mum to her, and she hopes her fundraising efforts will allow other families to have the support her Nan did and not have to face death alone.

With her running routes taking her around the Chalkstone Estate and town centre, Sarah hopes to raise £200 for the charity which provides support and services for those facing dying, caring and grief and their families.

Charlie De-Moore, our events fundraiser, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Sarah for her efforts in memory of her Nan Margaret. We’re so touched that the experiences you and your Nan had have led you to fundraise for us.

“Every penny raised will make such a difference to us and will enable us to keep supporting families relying on our care and services.”

You can support Sarah’s fundraising here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sarah-mckay9.