A 71-year-old woman from Mellor is taking on the London Marathon on behalf of East Lancashire Hospice in memory of her late husband.

Mary Pomfret moved from Texas to England in 2002 and is a lecturer at Preston College while also regularly volunteering at the hospice.

In 2016, her husband Graham was diagnosed with stage four Lung Cancer and East Lancashire Hospice supported the couple during the difficult 13 months that followed.

Explaining the significance of the marathon, Mary said: “East Lancashire Hospice and the date of the 2023 London Marathon are extremely, personally important to me.

“My late husband Graham was an outstanding runner and had raced 11 marathons, three of them being London. He encouraged me to not only become a runner but a marathoner too.”

Praising the hospice for the care and support they provided, Mary added: “The counselling, complementary therapy treatments and nursing support were amazing.

"Graham's wish was to die at home, and with support from the hospice, it was possible. Graham passed on Sunday, April 23, in 2017, London Marathon morning.

“It seemed fitting that he would finish his life marathon on that day.”

Because of this, Mary has decided to use her ballot spot on the London Marathon to raise much-needed donations for the hospice.

She added: “I want to thank East Lancashire Hospice for all they provided for Graham and me, I will not only be thanking the hospice but also honouring Graham's memory by running the 2023 London Marathon on the six year anniversary of his passing.

“I am 71 and feel privileged to be able to have the health to do another marathon.

"This will be my 14th when I started running in 2003 to do a 5k Race for Life in honour of my Mom. I never intended to do anything longer!”

Mary knows people are living through challenging times but hopes people will support her and East Lancashire Hospice.

She said: “Whatever amount you can donate goes to the continuation of the incredible help and support East Lancashire Hospice provides to so many other individuals and families, for which I sincerely thank you.

"It is an honour to be a part of East Lancashire Hospice’s fundraising team."

To support Mary Pomfret, click here.