A 32-year-old has raised more than £5,000 by pledging to run the London Marathon for the charity that cared for her dying mother.
Joan Brunt, who lived in Castle Street, Berkhamsted, was looked after by The Hospice of St Francis in Northchurch before she died of lung cancer aged 57 in 2007.
The good cause – which gets just one charity place for a London Marathon runner every five years – has now given it to Joan’s daughter Rose.
On her fundraising page, Rose says: “Mum’s illness can only be described as a living nightmare, but the care, support and treatment provided by the hospice was incredible.”
Rose, who was captain of Tring Swimming Club when she was 16, had to raise £5,000 for the charity, which she has already topped by £500.
She hopes to have raised more than £6,000 by next week.
She said: ‘I’ve never been a natural runner, but when I found out that there was an opportunity to run for the hospice at London Marathon this year, I leapt at the chance.
“I’m terrified about the distance, but the cause means so much to me, I’m hoping it will somehow keep my legs moving for 26.2 miles.
“When my mum was given a very late cancer diagnosis the hospice provided unbelievable comfort and support to all of us for her last weeks.
“I’m delighted to now have the opportunity to give something back and will be running the marathon in her memory.”
Rose hopes to finish in as close to four hours as possible. You can sponsor her by visiting www.justgiving.com/Rose-Brunt