Sue Pearson, a dedicated carer and volunteer, has completed an extraordinary challenge – running seven marathons in seven days – to raise vital funds for charity, including Sue Ryder.
Between 10 and 16 May, Sue ran a staggering 184 miles, the equivalent of travelling from Bedford to York, covering 26.2 miles every day. Each day’s route was carefully mapped out the evening before, taking Sue through scenic spots across Bedford, towards Great Denham, Oakley and Renhold.
Reflecting on the journey, Sue said: “I’ve run marathons before, but I wanted to take on something truly challenging to raise money in a different way. And this time for three different charities: Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Bedford Blues Foundation.”
Sue continued: “It was a tough challenge. I completed the TCS London Marathon in April, had a 12-day break, and then this! You obviously have self-doubt at times. Any challenge like this is more mental, then physical, I think.”
Rising at 4am each morning, to set off by 5am, Sue’s determination was tested when she tripped and injured her ribs and arms on Day 5, but she pushed through the pain to complete the challenge. “I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to finish, but I did. And that feeling was incredible,” she shared.
With over £5,000 raised, Sue is grateful for the support she received throughout her journey. “I felt a combination of relief and pride – relief that it was over, but pride that I’d accomplished something so demanding. My husband was amazing, supporting me every step of the way, bringing drinks and energy gels, even cycling alongside me at times.”
Sue’s motivation to support Sue Ryder comes from personal experience. “My Uncle Ed and one of my best friends spent their final days at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice. The care they received was simply outstanding; everyone was just so brilliant. I will never forget the kindness of the nurses, and I wanted to do something to give back.”
Sue marked her incredible achievement with a well-earned glass of champagne and her favourite chocolate milkshake. When asked about her next challenge, she confessed: “I have no idea what’s next! I’ve tackled ultra challenges before, but for now, I think I just need a bit of a break.”
To support Sue’s fundraising journey, visit: 7 Marathons in 7 Days!! – GiveWheel
To find out more about Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, visit www.sueryder.org/stjohns
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About Sue Ryder:
At Sue Ryder, we can’t make life’s most difficult moments easy, but we can carry some of the load. For more than 70 years, we have been a source of strength and support for anyone living with a life-limiting illness or grief.
Dying and grief are universal experiences, but too many people face them alone. We are a safe and reassuring hand you can reach for. From providing care and support for someone at the end of their life to helping someone manage their grief, we know there is no one size fits all when it comes to how we cope and the help we need. We campaign for everyone who is approaching the end of their life or grieving to have access to the right support, at the right time. And we seek to break down the barriers to talking about dying and grief – so we can all be better prepared and better equipped to be there for each other.
We can make a positive difference during even the darkest of times. Whether in the last months, weeks or days of life, or living with grief, we help people live the best life they possibly can. We are there when it matters.
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