TO celebrate the 35th anniversary of local charity Hospiscare, the charity’s medical director Dr Becky Baines is taking on a running challenge and is asking if at least 35 people will join her.

Becky has signed up for the Great West Run on October 15 — a 13.1 mile run through the heart of Exeter.

Becky explained: ‘Team Hospiscare 35 was founded by myself and Hospiscare’s Dr Jenny Hayes to celebrate the fact that the charity is 35-years-old this year.

‘We wanted to get our friends, families, colleagues and supporters involved in the story of the past, present and future of our wonderful charity. So the idea is to get a team of at least 35 people from across Devon to run the Great West Run route and raise some much needed cash for the charity.’

‘Jenny completed the London marathon earlier this year so was my inspiration for signing up to this, but I have to say I am really daunted about doing a half marathon. My aim is to get round the course within three hours and thirty minutes, before they re-open the roads.

‘It’s a bit of a bucket list goal for me, so I am urging anyone who has ever thought of doing a half marathon to come and join me! My plan is to take it slow and steady and I’ll probably do 30 seconds of running then 30 seconds of walking and repeat until I get to the finish line.

‘I’d love Hospiscare supporters to get involved. It would be fantastic to have a sea of blue Hospiscare running vests with me at the back of the pack, and of course we will celebrate with cake at the end.

‘There are about eight weeks to go before the event and the longest training walk and run I’ve done so far is 5.8 miles. There is plenty of time left to fit some training in if anyone fancies joining me and you’ll be raising money for an amazing cause.’

To join Team Hospiscare 35 call 01392 688020 today or email [email protected].

To make a donation or follow Becky’s training progress, find becbaines on Instagram, #TeamHospsicare35.

Hospiscare is a local adult hospice charity, providing free, high quality care and support to people with any type of terminal illness, and those close to them in Exeter, Mid and East Devon.