Running for health (yours & others)
Hertfordshire Life|January 2020
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
Running for health (yours & others)

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.

This story is from the January 2020 edition of Hertfordshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 2020 edition of Hertfordshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HERTFORDSHIRE LIFEView All
Hertfordshire Life

Explosive history

With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Hertfordshire Life

A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer

Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Hertfordshire Life

Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES

Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
The greatest traveller
Hertfordshire Life

The greatest traveller

Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

Return of the Queen of Romance

Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
In bed with CELEBS
Hertfordshire Life

In bed with CELEBS

Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Roam with a view
Hertfordshire Life

Roam with a view

We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
Hertfordshire Life

Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle

The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

A walk down Surreal Street

Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
5 minutes with
Hertfordshire Life

5 minutes with

Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020