Gloucestershire runners take on Chicago Marathon for Sue Ryder

Four extraordinary runners from Gloucestershire are taking on the Chicago marathon and raising vital funds for Sue Ryder’s palliative, end-of-life care and grief support.

Jane and Mark Shorting, and Matt Miles from Cheltenham, alongside Louis Badham, from Longlevens, Gloucester are all heading across the pond to take on the challenge.

Each of the runners have been supported by Sue Ryder and are taking on the challenge to raise funds and awareness for the charity.

The whole team are experienced marathon runners, this will be Jane’s 13th marathon, Mark’s ninth, Louis’ fourth and Matt’s second!

Jane spoke to us about how Sue Ryder have been there to support them through loss.

After running the London marathon this year, Jane went on to run a further 100 miles from London back to the Sue Ryder hospice near Cheltenham in her ‘Last leg for Leigh’ challenge

She said, ''We've used Sue Ryder for family members over the last five years with Mark's mum and brother. Most recently, my best friend Leigh, who used to live next door, she had her last few days in Sue Ryder and what they did for her and her family was incredible.''

''It's the care, the love, the attention, the support. It's really hard to put into words unless you've actually experienced it.''

Matt's wife Katy was looked after at the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

He spoke about why fundraising for the charity is so important.

''I was involved with it for over 7 years. My wife, she passed away in September 24, but she'd been going in there for sort of like respite care in the years prior to that.''

''Then I lived there for three weeks, for her final three weeks, and it's incredible. There is only 16 beds. It's the only place in the county that's got the 24 hour care like that.''

At the height of the Covid pandemic, during lockdown, Sue Ryder cared for Marks younger brother, Richard, at home.

He said, ''We all have a different experience and it means different things to us. But yes, I think the fundraising obviously is crucial because they don't get a great deal of money from the government and it's not gone up for years.

But I think it's more about making people aware of just what this wonderful facility is and, you know, and everybody could do a little bit for it.''

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