Surrey Trader Takes On Running Extravaganza In Memory Of Her Mum

Surrey Trader Takes On Running Extravaganza In Memory Of Her Mum

Imagine tackling the London Winter Run, or the Brighton Half Marathon, maybe the London Landmarks Half Marathon, or possibly Run Richmond. However, it is difficult to imagine running all four in the next few months, but that is what one Surrey runner has planned as she puts her trainers on to fundraise for St Catherine’s Hospice in memory of her mum.

This month, on Sunday, March 22 is Mother’s Day, an opportunity for all to celebrate mums across Britain for their contribution – those still with us, and those who are no longer alive. One energetic junior trader from Surrey is swapping trusts for trainers, bonds for sweat bands, and equities for energy drinks as she fundraises in memory of her late mum who sadly passed away in June last year.

Grace Claxton, 25, who previously ran a Cancer Research Race for Life when her mum was first diagnosed in 2016 and last year, completed The London Landmarks Half Marathon for Bowel and Cancer Research is getting ready to tackle not one, not two, not three, but four gruelling challenges in the coming months, and had no hesitation in choosing St Catherine’s Hospice as the beneficiary. 

Fundraiser Grace whose mum Tracey spent her final nine weeks at St Catherine’s Hospice says: “My mum described it as ‘heaven on earth’ and that the staff were ‘angels without wings’ which I think sums it up pretty well. Hospices are thought to be places full of sadness and loss, however in such a sad time we all felt so warm and welcome with constant love and laughter every day.”

‘I met some of the most incredible women in the world and I am lucky to still be in touch with many of them and consider them friends. I can honestly say I would not have coped the way I have without them and I will be forever grateful for, and in awe of their kindness. The counselling team are also brilliant and have been a huge help for me over the last few months” Grace adds.

Speaking about St Catherine’s Hospice and the support staff gave her mum, Grace says: “My mum spent her final nine weeks of life at St Catherine’s where she received the most amazing care imaginable so I am so grateful to be able to give back. She also went there weekly for a year for therapy, doctors’ appointments and the day care centre so it has been a big part of our lives.”

Runner Grace, whose fundraising target for St Catherine’s Hospice is £1,500 says of her fearless fundraising: “When mum died in June last year I made the decision to sign up for loads of races in order to raise as much as possible – as they draw closer I am slightly regretting this – kidding! I have found running very helpful in coping with my grief. I am hoping it will make her proud.”

Can You Help Grace Reach Her
Fundraising Target?

To help Grace reach her fundraising target of £1,750 for St Catherine’s Hospice you can donate to her JustGiving page, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/graceclaxx