A Greater Manchester father has raised nearly £5,000 after running 100 kilometres in a single day to support hospice care across the region.
Martin Foster, programme lead for the Greater Manchester Hospices Provider Collaborative, completed the challenge on Thursday April 2, running the equivalent of two and a half marathons between nine hospices.
His route included Dr Kershaw’s, Willow Wood, Moya Cole, Francis House, Springhill, Wigan and Leigh, Bolton, Bury and Derian House, with staff and his family waiting to welcome him at the finish.
Mr Foster, who began training last summer, said “I love the hospices in Greater Manchester. Each one offers local people and their network something they simply cannot get anywhere else. This is devoted, specialist palliative care, defined by expertise and kindness.”
He said the care provided allows people to live as well as possible close to home and surrounded by loved ones, adding that it would be what he would want for his own family.
The fundraising effort comes amid financial pressure on hospice services. A recent BBC report found the combined deficit for seven adult hospices in Greater Manchester stands at £1.6 million and could rise to £4.8 million by 2027.
Hospices rely heavily on public support as NHS contributions cover only around one quarter to one third of their running costs. Government capital funding cannot be used for day to day services, instead being restricted to building repairs and equipment upgrades.
At Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, fundraising helps maintain services including wellbeing centre activities that support patients and families.
Reflecting on the challenge, Mr Foster said “The day of the run itself was truly special. It was the longest day of my life, yet also one of the absolute best. The support I felt on the way around was something I will never forget.”
Tom Hall, community and partnerships fundraiser at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, said “Thank you, Martin, for taking on such a huge challenge to support hospice care across Greater Manchester. We are so grateful for your determination and the difference you are making for patients and families across our region.”
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