A keen runner is taking on the ultimate challenge for Nightingale House – running the London Marathon.

Beckie Lawson, who lives near Chester, will be running the biggest event in the race calendar for the first time next year for a cause close to her heart.

Beckie will be taking on the 26-mile run in memory of her mum Janet Clark who was cared for in her final days by the team at Nightingale House.

Beckie said: “The care and support we received At Nightingale House was beyond amazing and to be able to give back to the hospice is something I would love to do.

“The relief we felt when we moved from hospital to the hospice for mum’s remaining days was immeasurable. The sense of peace it provided to my mum is something I will be eternally grateful for. 

“Running the marathon will also be a real focus for me to be able to set my sights on a challenge as I come to terms with the sudden and unexpected loss of mum, who was a wonderful kind and caring person.

“At mum’s funeral, we raised £1,200 for the hospice and the community where mum lived are all keen to support anything further we do. We are planning some events within the local village hall and the church to support my fundraising.

In addition to sponsorship, Beckie is inviting supporters to dedicate one of her 26 miles to a lost loved one. Each of these dedications will be printed on the back of her running vest.

Beckie takes her fitness seriously and is a keen runner, part of community run club Holt & Farndon Runners. She will be supported by her family, friends and colleagues as well as her local gym CrossFit Wrexham.

She added: “I have never run a marathon but it is something I have always wanted to do. I am into fitness and running and have done a half marathon before but never a full marathon. This is the ultimate challenge and I can’t wait to get started!”

Beckie does not have a time goal in mind – her goal is to simply cross the finish line for her mum.

She said: “I know that mum will be there with me on the day and if I start to struggle I know she will give me the strength to cross the line.”

Beckie has a gruelling training schedule planned and will be out running come rain or shine.

She said: “I will be starting a training plan starting in December and whatever the weather – I will stick with the plan and work hard.”

Mike Jones, Nightingale House Hospice’s Community Fundraiser said: “We are looking forward to supporting Beckie on this journey and are so grateful to her for her support for the hospice.

“Beckie’s plans for fundraising and training sound fantastic and I know she is going to absolutely smash the marathon!”

To sponsor Beckie you can visit her fundraising page at bit.ly/40Smo4p

To follow her training journey you can find her @mymarathonformum account on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.