A Gloucestershire woman is running the London Marathon in memory of her friend
A Gloucestershire woman is running the iconic race to raise vital funds for the hospice who cared for her friend.
Cathy Hammond, 47, will be running the iconic 26.2-mile race in memory of her friend Liz, who was cared for in her final days by the team at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.
Liz had suspected bile duct cancer and she died in June 2023 when she was just 46 years old.
Cathy said running has helped her come to terms with her grief and knowing that Liz had been a keen runner, she decided to sign up to run the TCS London Marathon in her memory.
She hopes to raise £4,500 for the hospice to help others who rely on their care.
Cathy said: "We used to go on holiday together and made some great memories over the years. Obviously, we didn’t know that was all going to be cut short. We didn't get to do all the things we thought we might do, but we did do lots.
"She’s left behind two children: Jordan and Katie and her husband Tim – it’s so unjust. She was only 46.”
Cathy explained why she wanted to raise fund for Sue Ryder, she said: “I’d never been to the hospice before. From the minute I pulled up the driveway, it just felt like the most serene, comforting and homely place. It didn't feel like a hospital. Everything Liz could possibly want or need was there to make her as comfortable as possible."
Speaking about the race, Cathy said: “I’m fully aware it’s going to be a very emotional run. ‘Team Adventure’ will be there to cheer me on along with my husband, my children, my sister, my brother-in-law and a group of friends."
The London Marathon takes place this Sunday (21st April).