A Stoke Gifford man is running this weekend’s London Marathon in memory of his dad who passed away in 2011.
Paul Adams, 33, is taking on the 26.2-mile challenge along with partner Andrew Turner, on behalf of local charity St Peter’s Hospice, which cared for Paul’s dad Barry Adams in his final days.
Paul, a pension administrator at Aon Hewitt, said:
“My Dad passed away in 2011. His wish was to pass away at home surrounded by family and it was St Peter’s Hospice which made that possible for him. They provided the care and support he needed to make it happen and also supported us as a family during a very difficult time.”
“The care we received was invaluable and meant that his final days were spent at home in comfort.”
“I have always said I wanted to take part in the London Marathon at least once in my lifetime. Andrew and I applied last year and when we got in we decided as it was such a big event it would be a great opportunity to raise money for the amazing charity that helped my dad.”
“I have only taken part in 10ks before and have only been running for three years so this is going to be a huge challenge!”
“Andrew and I have been running at least three times a week – two shorter runs of around five miles during the week and then longer runs on the weekend ranging from five miles up to 18 miles. Training has kind of taken over our lives at the moment so we’re looking forward to weekends where we don’t have to run!”
The London Marathon is taking place on Sunday (13th April) and will start at Blackheath in Greenwich and end at The Mall at Westminster. Since the first marathon in 1981, £660 million has been raised for charity.
As Bristol’s only adult hospice, St Peter’s Hospice cares for more than 2,670 patients each year as well as supporting family members.
All services are provided free of charge but this care costs around £18,000 a day. For around £13,000 of that, the hospice relies on gifts in wills, kind donations and funds generated by the hospice shops.
Head of supporter relations at St Peter’s Hospice John Flanagan said:
“It is fantastic that Paul and Andrew are taking on this challenge on behalf of the hospice. The London Marathon is one of the hardest fundraising events you can do, so their effort means a lot. We wish them both all the best!”
Paul continued:
“St Peter’s Hospice is invaluable to anyone in Bristol with a life-limiting illness. The nurses that helped my dad were the most sincere and caring people I have met. They helped us with the care for his final days but also helped with matters after his death. The nurses even attended his funeral; it was so lovely to see that people in this day and age still care.”
“So far we have raised around £750 in sponsorship for this very worthy cause.”
If you would like to sponsor Paul and Andrew, please visit: www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/PaulandAndy
St Peter’s Hospice is an official charity for this year’s Bristol Half Marathon. To find out more or sign up, visit: www.stpetershospice.org.uk
