Royston Runner Beth Moorley is taking on the London Marathon to raise money for the hospice where she works.
Beth, who works as a senior children's palliative care nurse at Keech Hospice, originally planned to run the marathon before the age of 30, but is now competing for the first time at age 52.
She will run the 26.2-mile marathon on Sunday, April 21, alongside Keech Hospice events manager Lynn Russell.
Beth, who cares for child patients across north and east Herts, said: "I’d planned to do it before I reached 30, so I’m only 22 years late!
"I started Couch to 5k about four years ago, and have kept it up ever since. My local running club, Royston Runners, have been really supportive, as has my sister who’s joined me for the training, even though she’s not doing the marathon herself.
"I’m very grateful for everyone cheering me on and am looking forward to seeing some familiar faces on the route to help keep me going."
You can donate to Beth at https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/beth-moorley, or to donate to Lynn go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/lynn-russell-1704576119996.
As a member of the hospice events team, Lynn has supported 107 runners over the years and helped them raise more than £248k for the hospice.
She said: "In 2011 I ran the London Marathon for the first time.
"My dad, who had always been my champion, was there to watch me cross the finish line. I don’t know who was prouder — me or him!"
When Lynn's father died in 2022, he was laid to rest with her 2011 medal and running vest.
"It’s heart-breaking that Dad won’t be there to see me cross the line this time," she said.
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"It’s taken me 13 years of applying to get a ballot place in the London Marathon, but the timing is fitting.
"It would have been Dad’s 80th birthday this April. Running the marathon again and raising money for Keech seems like the perfect gift to him."
Between them, Beth and Lynn are hoping to raise more than £3,500 for Keech - enough to fund 90 hours of nursing care.
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