Awesome Duo double their target for Trinity Hospice
Two friends from Lytham have raised almost £2,000 for their local hospice after entering the Lake Garda marathon.
Deeanna Coker, 26, and Olivia Grindrod, 26, are celebrating after doubling their fundraising target thanks to the generosity of family and friends.
They raised £1,985 after setting a £1,000 target. Neither had ever run a marathon before and the pair were delighted to hand over such a huge sum to Trinity Hospice in Blackpool.
Deanna said: “Almost everyone knows someone who has been helped or supported by Trinity Hospice, it’s such a huge part of the Fylde Coast community.
“We wanted to honour the people we know who have been looked after there, and I think that’s one of the reasons we’ve raised so much, because all our family, friends, and colleagues feel the same way.”
A busy trainee at Vincents Solicitors in Lytham, Deeanna admitted she didn’t put as much into her preparation as originally planned, and only managed 13 miles on her longest training run. But the scenery, the atmosphere, and the support of their families helped the girls power on.
Deeanna said: “The first 30k was fine but then my muscles started to seize and I did have to slow down for a while. But running along the lake with the beautiful mountains in the background, through little villages where everyone came out to cheer us on, and knowing so many people were supporting us, I just focused on getting to the end. Crossing the line was absolutely amazing, I felt really really proud of us.”
Olivia, who also lives in Lytham and works at Beaverbrooks, sadly pulled up after 20 miles with injury, but was pleased to have taken part. She said: “It was an incredible experience, and I’m so grateful for the amazing support I had throughout the race. The energy from the crowd and encouragement from fellow participants really carried me through, and the stunning scenery made it even more memorable. I’m absolutely thrilled to have raised such a significant amount for a fantastic cause. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.”
The Lake Garda 42 as it is known, kicks off in Limone and runs 42km – or 26 miles – to Malcesine around the top of the enormous lake. The women’s race winner, Stefanie Hansen, finished in 3:3:44; Deeana made it in 4:21:21.
Craig Aikman, commercial property director at Vincents in Lytham, said he was in awe of the pair.
He said: “Taking part in a marathon is an amazing achievement in itself, but to double their fundraising total to do something so important for our local hospice, is absolutely awesome, we’re all really impressed.”
Trinity Hospice in Bispham has been helping people every year across the Fylde Coast for 40 years. It relies on donations from the public to fund medical care and support services in the hospice and the community.
Katy Nelson, Community Engagement Officer at Trinity Hospice and Brian House Children’s Hospice said: “What an incredible achievement for Liv and Dee. Not only have they taken part in a major running event set against a truly stunning backdrop, but they’ve smashed their target and raised an amazing amount of money for our charity.
“We’re so grateful for everything they have put themselves through to raise this impressive sum in sponsorship, and to those who sponsored them. The money they have raised will make a huge difference to local people who need our expert hospice care.
“With increasing financial pressures, we rely on the generosity of people like Liv and Dee and their friends, families and colleagues who have supported them. As we celebrate 40 years of hospice care for the Fylde coast, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to our charity over the last four decades, and the people who continue to support us so we can continue to care for all who need us.”
Pictured: Vincents Solicitors’ trainee Deeanna Coker at Lake Garda
