Mum runs to thank hospice for its care: Retired teacher enters Great North Run for first time

A CANONBIE woman will run through the streets of Newcastle in September in memory of her daughter who had a very rare type of cancer.
Jenny Pike, a former teacher at Langholm primary school, will take part in the Great North Run to help the care, support and activities provided at Eden Valley Hospice.
Jenny’s daughter, Anna, who was cared for at the hospice, will be joined by a team of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw fundraisers on the start line of the half-marathon, each running with their own memory and purpose.
Jenny, 68, who lives in the village with husband, Nigel, said: “Anna had an extremely rare form of cancer.
“Sadly, all treatments were unsuccessful and Eden Valley Hospice gave Anna amazing care and allowed her to live as independently as possible during her final months.
“When she was staying in the hospice, we were allowed to stay with her. I cannot praise the hospice and its staff highly enough.
“The hospice has also been there for our family and I myself have benefited greatly from the counselling and alternative therapy sessions.
“I wanted to raise money for the hospice and I wanted a challenge, something I would find difficult.
“I have been to the Great North Run several times to watch Anna’s younger sister, Jodi, run.
“I’m always so touched by the determination of ordinary people challenging themselves to raise money in memory of a loved one. And the atmosphere there is amazing.”
Jenny, a professional film actor and member of Carlisle Green Room Club and The Happy Hour Theatre Company, added: “I have never run in my life, apart from for a train or bus or half-heartedly at school sports when I was a child.
“I walk a lot and really enjoy it but hate running so this is a big challenge. I don’t plan to break any records but would like to complete the course in about three and a half hours.
“I’m training gently and have built up to jogging nine miles, two thirds of the way there.
“Anna would laugh so much but I think she would be proud, too. She will be with me all the way on the day.
“Anna lived a full and exciting life and touched many, many hearts. I owe it to her to live a life she no longer has and wanted to do something in her memory.
“I am overwhelmed by the generosity of my sponsors and touched by the kind, encouraging and thoughtful messages left on my page already.”

To sponsor Jenny go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ jenny-pike4anna