Hospice supporter completes Virtual London Marathon for her Father in Law

Lynn doesn’t talk much about her age, but she is happy to say she’s in her mid-sixties.

What she will tell you is that on the morning of her Virtual London Marathon, she was up at 5.00am and found herself facing a dilemma – how to get a caffeine boost without a drink in sight! Her solution? A homemade creation she described as “disgusting!” Three heaped teaspoons of instant coffee granules sandwiched between slices of marzipan.

That might have been a rough start, but it certainly didn’t hold Lynn back. In her wheelchair, Lynn completed her 26.2 mile Virtual London Marathon, completing a loop of central Haverhill 105 times, in 5 hours and 23 minutes — almost exactly halfway in her age category and raised an incredible £766 for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity in the process.

Lynn, a local music teacher and wheelchair user, took on the challenge using a standard wheelchair with no electric power. An extra attachment at the front called a freewheel, lifted the two smaller front wheels off the ground to help her navigate pavements and roads more easily making the long distance more manageable, especially over uneven surfaces.

She kept going with the support of friends, family and her generous sponsors — including her father-in-law, 92-year-old Westley Bond, who is currently receiving care from the Charity. Westley, from Harston, is feeling comfortable and well cared for and Lynn says the kindness and compassion shown to him has meant a great deal to their whole family. Lynn shared that it was the treatment her Father-in-Law is receiving, that inspired her to act and turn her marathon into a fundraising challenge.

“Up until today [four days before marathon] I had not found a Charity I felt strong enough to support, but my father-in-law has just been transferred to your care, and I now see how much work you do.”

Whilst visiting Westley at the Inpatient Unit at the Hospice, with only one days rest, Lynn shared her appreciation for all the support, whilst the family enjoyed the sunshine in the Hospice garden.

Lynn commented:

“I’m very grateful for all the sponsors, they’ve restored my faith in humanity.”

You can support Lynn’s fundraising efforts today by donating via JustGiving and be a part of her journey towards making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Sarah Clayton, Community Fundraiser commented:

“We are so grateful to Lynn for her incredible determination and generosity, raising £766 in such a short time is an amazing achievement.”

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If you would like to support people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and would like to take on your own challenge for the Charity, please email Sarah at challenges@arhc.org.uk or call 01223 675888.