The Prospect of a 10k run (From Swindon Advertiser)

The Prospect of a 10k run

9:30am Monday 18th February 2013 in News

DOZENS of people put their best feet forward in memory of loved ones as part of Prospect Hospice’s first 10k run.

The challenge, which started at Nationwide at 10.30am yesterday, saw almost 180 people taking part to raise funds for the charity.

Among the runners was a team of 17 who were taking part in memory of Sophie Vessey, 41, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer on Christmas Day.

Her partner, Warren Johnson, 41, of Wichelstowe, said: “The 10k was suggested when Sophie was still alive and we all agreed to do it. There were four of us to begin with and it has built up to 17.

“Sophie would be really chuffed if she could see us. Prospect were brilliant, they can never do enough for you and we can’t do enough to thank them. We want to raise as much money as we can.”

The team originally wanted to raise £7,500 to cover the cost of Sophie’s care, but after their total passed £12,000 they are hoping to double their original target so they can pay for someone else’s care too.

Sophie’s friend, Natalie Cuss, of Priory Vale, said: “Sophie wanted as many of us to raise as much as we could because the hospice gave her such fantastic care.

“She promised she would be with us in spirit today and would help us get through. It is going to be really emotional.”

Sophie, who worked for Network Rail, spent her last three weeks at the hospice.

Also among the fundraisers was Luke Sheen, 29, of Stratton, who was taking part in honour of his father, Tony Sheen, 53, who passed away of pancreatic cancer at the Prospect in March last year.

“His passing has motivated me to do lots of fundraising activities for the Prospect. I always think about him when I am running or doing something strenuous,” said Luke.

“He went through a massive amount of pain. Compared to that, running up a hill is nothing.

“The care he received at the Prospect was amazing both for him and for us as a family.”

Stepbrothers Jamie Clark, 20, of Redhouse, and Matt Dennys, 23, of Oakhurst, were running in memory of Sean Clark, 50, who passed away on February 6 after a long fight against bowel cancer which had spread.

Jamie said: “I want to do this as a thank-you to the Prospect. “Dad would be proud if he could see us.

“He was an absolute legend and he was always positive.

“Prospect were top notch, you couldn’t have asked for better. Together we have raised £1,000.”

Sean was originally diagnosed in 2005 but was told it had reappeared in 2010.

Also taking part in the event was Great Western Hospital nurse Daniella Leloch, 27, of Old Town, with Natasha Kelly, 30, of Nythe.

Four Prospect staff took part, including communications manager Andrew Thompson, head of HR Yvonne Hanley, PA to the chief executive Siobhain Acott and relief worker for the clinical nurse specialist team, Jacqui Shakespeare.

Head of fundraising, Sheryl Crouch, said they were delighted with how the challenge had gone and they are hoping to make it an annual event.