Jill Dobson aged 49 will be taking on the London Marathon in memory of her sister Kate.
She will be running the marathon on 27th April in hopes that the funds raised will give more people access to Sue Ryder's palliative care and bereavement services.
At the beginning of 2024, Jill’s family’s world was turned upside down when her sister Kate, from Skipton, was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Tragically, Kate died only five weeks after her diagnosis.
Jill, from Leeds, shares that the comfort from the Sue Ryder team was invaluable.
Jill said:
"For the first time in weeks, Kate looked comfortable and peaceful.
"The hospice's homely and supportive environment offered our family solace during such a difficult time.
"The staff were incredibly kind and attentive, spending time with us and including Kate in conversations.
"The environment felt supportive, which made those final days more bearable."
Jill will also be joined by her nephew and Kate’s son, Harvey Sutcliffe, 23, who will also be pounding the London pavements on 27 April in memory of his mum.
Jill added:
"Running a marathon has always been a goal of mine.
"When I didn't get in through the ballot, I knew running for Kate and supporting Sue Ryder would be the perfect incentive.
"I wanted to give back to those people who made my sister's last days so nice and so lovely and also made it easier for her family to cope with.”
Despite issues with sciatica, Jill is determined to finish the race.
Jill will also be joined by her nephew and Kate’s son, Harvey Sutcliffe, 23, who will also be pounding the London pavements on 27th April in memory of his mum.
Harvey says:
“Running the London Marathon means a lot to me not just as an achievement but for the purpose I’m running it.
"Sue Ryder have sadly played a large part in my life in the last year, but their involvement was a positive one.
"They were there when they were needed the most.
“So, I’m running the London Marathon not only in memory of my mum whose aim it was to one day run it herself, but also for a charity that does so much for so many in the hardest times.
"And being given the opportunity to run for the charity is a real honour.”
To keep herself motiavted, Jill has created a playlist for the marathon with songs that remind her of her sister Kate.
"My legs can get heavy, and I’ll want to stop, but when I hear a song that reminds me of Kate while I am running, it gives me the strength to keep going.
"It'll make me smile, and I just think, ‘No, you've got to keep going.
"You're doing this for her"
To support Jill’s fundraising efforts, visit her JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jill-hudson-1730466354519
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