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“I just wanted to help a charity that is close to my heart” – an interview with hospice fundraiser Hope

January 2024

Challenges, Fundraising

At Prospect Hospice, we’re lucky enough to have a fantastic community of supporters who take on challenges to help us provide free end of life care for more than 1,700 patients and their families – every single year.

Hope Russell will take on the Paris Marathon in April to help raise funds for the hospice as we are currently supporting her uncle. We caught up with Hope to find out why supporting the hospice is important to her, and why she chose to take on the challenge.

What challenge are you taking on?

I am undertaking the huge but very exciting challenge of running 26.2 miles at the Paris Marathon on the 7th of April 2024.

What motivated you to support Prospect Hospice?

So, my Uncle Ian is in your care after being diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Cancer NETs in 2016. Recently, he has received specialist care to help with things such as pain management and support from the hospice, and not only him, but my auntie also has been supported by the nurses. Even though I’ve never visited the hospice, I just wanted to help a charity that is close to my heart by raising funds and awareness of the wonderful work you do.

What appealed to you about taking on this challenge?

I’ve never done a marathon before but my uncle Ian was always very active and encouraged me to be as well. He inspired me to live an active lifestyle and it’s because of him that I love sports so that’s why I thought a marathon would be an extremely appropriate challenge and would make him proud.

How have you been preparing for your challenge?

Very, very long and more recently, wet runs! I started training with a friend in early 2023 and we were doing little challenges for the Paris marathon ballot. I’m also following a running plan and trying to get as many miles under my feet as I can

Are you looking forward to doing the Paris Marathon?

I’m so excited, to be honest! I think because of the reason I’m running, I’ve got a purpose. So anytime that I might think I can’t do this, I’m just going to think about all the money and awareness I’ll be raising for the hospice.

How is your fundraising journey going?

I’m very pleased to say that it is going very well. I’ve had some really generous donations on my justgiving page from people I don’t even know but they know my aunt and uncle which goes to show the impact they must have had on their lives.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

Not really, apart from that our whole family is grateful to everyone at the hospice for helping my Uncle Ian to live the best he can. If you would like to sponsor me, that’d be amazing and you can do so by clicking here.

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