Event organiser running for 'vital' hospice

A man who spends his days organising charity events is putting on his own running shoes for the first time.

Nigel Blackmun, 30, of Tinkers Lane, is taking on the Windsor half marathon this October to raise money for the hospice Pine Lodge in Hatch Lane that cared for his mum.

Nigel, who organises charity events through his company Site and Sound Services Ltd, said: “Thames Hospicecare is close to my family's heart as it took such wonderful care of  my mum Mary.

"They made the end of her life as peaceful as possible and supported me and my family throughout a really difficult time.

"I remember being amazed that the hospice has to raise three quarters of its funds from voluntary donations. It seemed wrong for such a vital service.

"When my mum was ill I don't know what she or my family would have done without the hospice."

Thames Hospicecare provides specialist palliative nursing care to people dealing with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses, as well as support for their families and carers.

Its 24-hour hospice in Hatch Lane and its day hospice at Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot, is entirely dependent on fundraising supporters.

In preparation for the 13-mile stint, Nigel is running three times a week supported by Susan Blues, events fundraiser at Thames Hospicecare.

Susan would love to see many more people running for the hospice. She said: “It will be such a fantastic sight to see so many Thames Hospicecare yellow vests crossing the finish line in October."

If you already have a place in the Windsor half marathon and would like to run for the hospice, contact Susan at susan.blues@thameshospicecare.org.uk or call 01753 848946.