This summer a local hospice doctor will be completing 40 runs in 11 weeks as she raises money to help the care, support and activities provided at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.
Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Doctor Katie Buckle will be taking part in the Great North Run Solo, which was created following the cancellation of this year’s iconic half marathon. Katie will now join thousands of other fundraisers and runners in completing the 40 run challenge, which is a run for every year of the Great North Run.
Katie, 38 and from Carlisle, explained, “I have chosen to support the hospice because it’s an amazing place which provides essential support for people with life limiting illnesses. Every day at work I witness the difference the hospice makes to our patients and their families.
“The hospice has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic with the cancellation of major fundraising events and the expense of the changes we have had to make to our way of working. I wanted to take on a challenge to raise some money and increase awareness of the wonderful work that goes on at Eden Valley Hospice.
“I have been thinking about completing a running challenge for some time but the thought of training for a half-marathon was rather daunting. I felt that the challenge of 40 smaller runs was more achievable and, who knows, I might have caught the running bug by the end of it!”
The cancellation of this year’s Great North Run has meant that runners and fundraisers are unable to come together at the iconic event on Sunday 13 September. However, the Great North Run Solo is allowing runners, fundraisers and charities to mark the special occasion by completing the fantastic challenge.
The Great North Run Solo began on Sunday 28 June, the birthday of the Great North Run, and will finish on Sunday 13 September. The virtual event is perfect for runners of all abilities as they choose their own pace and distance whilst taking part.
Katie continued, “I am hoping that this challenge will improve my fitness level. I am also hoping that some of my colleagues will agree to join me on a run or two to raise awareness about their roles at the hospice.
“I have not laced up my running shoes for nearly 10 years, so I know the first few runs are going to hurt!”
The money raised by Dr Katie Buckle will allow Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice to provide the highest standards of care, support and activities to local adults and children with life limiting illnesses. If you would like to sponsor Katie as she takes part in the Great North Run Solo please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Katie-Buckle3
As key workers, both the clinical and support staff teams at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw are here for the local community. The hospice is doing all it can during these times to continue to provide care to those in need, whilst following strict guidelines.
At a time when Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw is still in great need of funding to secure the future of the hospice, the support of the local community is needed more than ever. Every donation made will help the hospice’s vital care today, tomorrow and for many years to come. To find out more please visit www.edenvalleyhospice.org or www.jigsawhospice.org
