Hospiscare
Mavis and her dog, Jess
Mavis and her dog, Jess, with their medals after taking part in last year’s Marathon in a Month
An ‘almost octogenarian’ from Mid Devon and her canine companion will take on three marathons in a month to raise funds for her local hospice.
79 year-old Holcombe Rogus resident Mavis Seeley is taking part in Hospiscare’s Marathon in a Month challenge event to raise much-needed funds for local people living with terminal illnesses. Participants are asked to walk, jog or run a marathon over the course of October but Mavis and her cockapoo Jess will be going several thousand steps further by aiming to complete three marathons in a month.
As a trained nurse contributing to health care for 47 years and a former trustee of Hospiscare, Mavis knows the impact of the vital care that the local hospice charity provides. Hospiscare delivers specialist end-of-life care to over 2,000 people and their families every year across Exeter, Mid and East Devon but the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted the charity’s fundraising efforts and it is facing a funding deficit of over £1.5 million.
After taking part in Marathon in a Month last year and completing two marathons with Jess, Mavis decided to push herself and her fundraising further. Mavis explains, “I originally chose three marathons as it’s one more than last year and then my friend pointed out that this totals 78 miles. By adding an additional mile, I will be able to walk a mile for every year of my life.
“I had such an enjoyable time last year and finished my two marathons in 18 days, so I thought I would be able to do three alright. Taking part last year was so good for my wellbeing and physical health and I really felt like being part of a team, knowing that there’s lots of other people out there doing Marathon in a Month.”
Mavis and Jess will be walking in memory of her eldest son and will complete the challenge by walking every day in her local area. For anyone considering joining Marathon in a Month to raise funds for Hospiscare, Mavis says, “If you’re not used to exercise or you’re a little older, do it in little bits – it’s amazing how quickly the miles mount up! It’s such a rewarding feeling knowing that you’re contributing to such a worthwhile charity.”
Sign up to Marathon in a Month today to raise vital funds for local end-of-life care. Simply visit www.hospiscare.co.uk/marathon.
To support Mavis and Jess in their Marathon in a Month challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Mavis-Seeley.