Thatcham woman running Green Park 10k in memory of mum who died of cancer

A Thatcham woman is running the Green Park Reading 10k in memory of her mum.

Hannah Richards is lacing up her trainers to raise vital funds for the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.

Her late mother spent six weeks at the Reading-based hospice in 2014 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

She said: “During that time, the hospice team gave my mum incredible care and support.

“They even organised for a donated Christmas tree.

“The staff came in singing ‘Rudolph the red nosed reindeer’ and about 20 people got together to celebrate Christmas with my mum.

“I also benefited from their bereavement counselling afterwards, which was phenomenal.”

The experience inspired her to start volunteering at the hospice and eventually joined as its community fundraising manager.

But this year, she decided to challenge herself in a new way – running.

She added: “Running was never part of my life until October last year.

“This journey started because I wanted to set an example for my kids and do something meaningful for myself.

“When my daughter throws me a ball, I want to be able to run and catch it.

“Honestly, if I could run 10k every day to keep the hospice’s vital services going, I would.”

Sue Ryder is also encouraging other West Berkshire residents to ‘go the distance’ by signing up for the 10k on June 1.

Visit www.sueryder.org/get-involved/fundraise-for-us/events/sue-ryder-green-park-10k/ to sign up.