Dunstable woman to run marathon in memory of aunt
A young woman from Dunstable is running her first marathon this month to honour her aunt who died from cancer.
Grace Dundon, 22, lost her auntie Heidi in 2017, aged just 43.
Heidi was cared for at Keech Hospice, and her family were supported by the charity through their loss.
Grace, a special needs teacher, is running the iconic London marathon at the end of April in her aunt’s memory and to raise funds for the end-of-life care charity.
She said: “Although I’m nervous about running such a long distance, I’m very pleased I’m doing it for Keech – a charity that’s done so much for our family. Auntie Heidi wasn’t sure at first about going into a hospice, but she soon felt reassured and comforted by the amazing care she received.
“They helped her with pain management long before she died. She even walked the last 100m of a Race for Life event after a visit to Keech!
“Heidi would be so proud and happy I’d chosen to run the marathon for Keech. She spoke so highly of them. It was a very important place for her.”
Keech Hospice, which relies on donations, helps patients with life-limiting conditions and their families across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
So far, Grace has raised more than £3,100 of her £3,500 target – click here to donate.
Lynn Russell, events partner for the hospice, said: “Being there for families when they need care and support the most is what we’re here for. It’s so humbling that Grace, despite her grief, has found the strength to do something so positive in their loved ones’ memories and chose to raise money for Keech.
“Running the marathon takes immense physical and mental strength and stamina, and we wish all our runners the very best of luck. We can’t wait to be there on the day to support Grace and the rest of the team!”