A woman who ran last year’s Reading Half Marathon in memory of her dad is encouraging others to use the opportunity to raise money for the charity that cared for him.

Mum Samantha Marchant, from Woodley, took on the challenge six months after her father, who was supported by Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, passed away.

Her efforts raised a whopping £1,300, more than twice her target.

“I found training for the marathon very therapeutic. With a one-year-old daughter, taking some time each evening once she was in bed to do a run was a great way to process my thoughts,”

“The endorphins after each run really helped my mental health and I threw myself into doing things I knew would make my dad proud,” said Samantha.

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The Reading Half Marathon will see around 14,000 people take to the streets of the town in just over two weeks’ time (April 3).

“Running the marathon was an amazing and emotional experience. There were times that tears were running down my face, as well as sweat.

“When I felt like I couldn’t run anymore I just reminded myself that there were so many people who would love to be in my position, so I kept going for them and for my dad.

“I wanted to try and raise as much money as I could to say thank you for all the support the charity gave him, my family and myself, whilst we navigated the hardest time of our lives.

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Since its inception, the Reading Half Marathon has raised thousands of pounds to support Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, enabling its nurses and doctors to provide end-of-life care and support to patients living with life-limiting conditions and their families.

With the hospice reliant on supporters donating and fundraising – especially as it continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic - it is calling on residents to kick-start their year and apply for a guaranteed charity place.

Community Fundraiser Georgia Thornton said: “We’re so excited for the Reading Half Marathon to return this year and we’d love to hear from local people who would like to join our team donning the famous ‘Team Sue Ryder’ vest to support our vital services.

“Whether you’re an experienced runner with multiple races under your belt, or you’ve set yourself a health and fitness goal for 2022, this is the perfect challenge to work towards. All funds raised will help us continue to provide the compassionate care we are so well known for and fill last days with love.”

Entry for the Reading Half Marathon is £25 with a fundraising target of £145, which will make all the difference to patients and families needing Sue Ryder’s expert care. To sign up and find out more, visit: sueryder.org/support-us/fundraise/events/reading-half-marathon-2022 or email dokh.fundraising@sueryder.org.