Running for health (yours & others)

A simple and inspirational idea has helped raise thousands of pounds to give those with serious illnesses a new lease of life – and get hundreds fit

Five years ago, Berkhamsted solicitor Paul Owen first opened his car boot and invited local runners to throw money in. This was the start of the unique Hospice of St Francis Running Club which has now raised over £16,000 and attracted more than 200 men and women to drop in and run.

The 51-year-old explained why he started the sessions: ‘Sadly from personal experience I know what great work the hospice movement does and had run loads of races to raise funds but wanted to think of a fresh approach.’

The result was a weekly training session where Paul, a qualified athletics coach who has just completed his 114th marathon, encouraged runners of all abilities to take part in an hour of fitness in return for a donation to the Hospice of St Francis. The charity provides outstanding free care for patients managing or recovering from serious illness in Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, St Albans, Harpenden, The Chalfonts, Chesham, Amersham and everywhere in between. Care is given at home or at its Spring Centre in Berkhamsted.

Running sessions take part on a Wednesday morning all over the Berkhamsted area including in Ashridge Forest, on Northchurch Common and along the Grand Union Canal.

One of the many regulars is Eleonore Keohane whose husband spent his final weeks in the Hospice of St Francis in 2015 aged just 52 years.