On Sunday 6th April, two of our incredible team members – Holly Kerrigan, Director of Marketing and Communications, and Chris Godber, Lottery and Commercial Operations Manager – completed their very first marathon, the Brighton Marathon, alongside Chris’ son, Tyler.
The challenge followed their participation in one of Dr Nicky Baker’s runs, as part of her mammoth ‘More than a Marathon’ fundraiser last year, during which they ran 17.6 miles from Coventry Myton Hospice to Warwick Myton Hospice.
This inspired them to tackle 26.2 miles and sign up for their first ever marathon. In January, their official marathon training began. With dedication and determination, Holly and Chris headed out for 5:30am runs before work and tackled long Saturday running sessions in the early morning cold and dark.
Chris shared:
With each week, training intensified, tackling 4 hour runs whenever we could, pushing boundaries I never thought possible. Ginger nuts and jelly babies became my secret weapons!
Holly said:
There were definitely moments where I questioned why I’d signed up for a marathon – usually during the tougher training runs! But I’m so glad we did it. The atmosphere on the day was amazing, with so many people out supporting us and each other. It was really hot – a world away from the conditions we trained in – but thankfully there was a breeze, and running by the sea was breath-taking… sometimes literally!
Chris added:
The heat added an extra challenge, but we embraced it. The crowd was fantastic, cheering us all on. Watching fellow runners support each other was so inspiring. I just kept thinking about those early mornings and long runs to get me through – and of course, the jelly babies helped too!
Together, Holly and Chris have raised an incredible £1,454 for Myton, which could cover the cost of 50 hours of specialist nursing care at The Myton Hospices – making a real difference to our patients and their families.
Holly said:
It was a brilliant day – I loved every minute of it! Crossing the finish line together was such a great feeling, closely followed by an Aperol Spritz (or two!) with family and friends in the sunshine on Brighton Seafront.
We were blown away by the generosity and support we received, and I’m over the moon to have nearly doubled my £500 fundraising target for Myton!
Working at Myton, we see every day how the money raised directly supports our patients and their loved ones. Knowing we’ve contributed, even in a small way, is what it’s all about.
You can still support Chris and Holly HERE!
Chris said:
If anyone is thinking about taking on a marathon, I can’t recommend it enough. With dedication, the right mindset, and a few ginger nuts and jelly babies, it’s more than achievable! And having great running companions makes all the difference!
Feeling inspired? Whether it’s a marathon, 10k, or your own personal challenge, you can raise vital funds for The Myton Hospices and help us continue to care for more people living with life-limiting illnesses across Coventry and Warwickshire.
Did you know…? We are a charity, we are not the NHS, we have to raise £12.7 million of the £15.3 million it costs this year to continue providing our care free of charge to our patients and their loved ones. Every pound raised really makes a difference to your community.
Find running events or create your own challenge online HERE!
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