Wakefield runner's marathon effort in memory of her mum

Sarah Powala, 35, will warm up for her month-long challenge by doing The Wakefield 10K on April 3 to thank hospice staff who cared for her mum Shirley who died from cancer aged 57 last year.

The runner from Newmillerdam, said: “I decided to set myself the challenge of running a 10K a day as my way of saying thank you to all the amazing staff and volunteers at Wakefield Hospice.

“I lost my mum to cancer in April last year and the hospice were exceptional. Not only did they care for my mum and make sure she was comfortable in her final weeks, but the staff at the Day Therapy Unit have also been a constant support to myself as I continue to adapt to life without her.

“I hope to raise as much money as I can and completely smash the £1,000 target so I can help families receive the same invaluable support.”

Hospice events fundraiser Holli Kellett said: “Sarah is so dedicated, she will even be taking her challenge all the way to New York, not letting a four-day trip to the Big Apple get in her way, Sarah is already planning to run a 10K everyday she is in the States - in between her sightseeing.”

The Wakefield 10K Road Race and 1K Mini Run are set to be the biggest ever, as record numbers have already signed up. More than 1,400 people have entered so far and the race is set to raise more than £55,000 for patient care, which is enough to run the entire hospice for a week.

The race gets underway at Lawefield Lane, Thornes at 9am a week on Sunday. There is still time to sign up for the event. Call 01924 213900 for more details. To sponsor Miss Powala visit www.justgiving.com/Powala10kMay2016. You can also follow her progress via www.facebook.com/10KaDayinMay2016.