Runner completed a 26.2 mile distance to raise more than £500 for charity that provided ‘invaluable’ care to her family

A first-time marathon runner took on the ‘ultimate challenge’ for Sidmouth Hospiscare as a thank-you for the ‘invaluable’ support offered to her family.

Kirsty Trent, 24, said the care her grandfather received from the charity before he died helped to make the final months of his life the best they could be and she set herself a goal of raising £500 – a target she has already smashed.

The runner has been a frequent visitor to the Sid Valley ever since her grandparents, John and Barbara Calderwood, retired to the town 23 years ago. Her grandmother still lives in Manor Road.

Kirsty’s first-ever marathon was the inaugural Bristol to Bath run and she completed the distance in four hours, 41 minutes – coming in 2,993 out of 6,000 people.

She said: “I thought the charity did an excellent job, not only for supporting Grandpa but also for the rest of the family who were supporting him.

“Sidmouth Hospiscare is invaluable as they have experience with what might help make everybody comfortable and they have the relevant connections to make it happen. I think having this support in place and making your last months the best they can be is one of the most important things.

“I wanted to do something that was a challenge to fundraise for the charity to show my gratitude. I got back into running last summer and so I thought to complete a marathon within a year was a suitable challenge.

“The training took a lot of time - I don’t think I’d fully realised how long it takes each day to do the run.”

“It was really rewarding. A lot of people came out to cheer everyone on and hand out jelly beans - it definitely helped encourage you to keep going.

“Finally - I want to say a massive thank-you to Sidmouth Hospiscare.”

Her mother, Jackie Calderwood, said: “Sidmouth Hospiscare were a wonderful and vital help for Dad and all the family in those last few months, enabling him to be cared for in his own home as his health deteriorated. Her grandfather would be extremely proud of Kirsty’s focus, commitment and support for the charity - as are all the family.”

To donate, visit Kirsty’s fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/Kirsty-Trent.