Two friends from Weston are celebrating after completing the Bristol 10k in aid of Weston Hospicecare.
Claire Attwell and Jenny Baker chose to take on the run in support of the hospice after the charity cared for Jenny’s father.
Jenny said she had been inspired to take up running by Claire.
She said: “Myself and Claire have been friends for just over three years; in fact we live next door to each other.
“I started my running journey last July 2017. From never wanting to run, Claire encouraged me and introduced me to the couch potato to 5k app. From there I now have a passion for running.
“Claire has been running for just over two years; she has given me the confidence, self-esteem and encouragement to push me out of my comfort zone.”
Many people struggle to find the motivation to start running or training for a physical challenge. However, social media has been at the core of Jenny’s journey.
She said: “We are both members of a Facebook group called Run Mummy Run. This is a group that encourages mums to keep running no matter what is going on in their lives, with words of love and support.
“We stay motivated with virtual races through virtual runner UK where you can enter a race and do it at your own pace in your own time and you are rewarded with a medal for your hard work.
“We also keep ourselves active by doing three or four classes a week at the gym.”
Jenny decided to make changes to her life to complete the Bristol 10k earlier this month in memory of her father, Tony Inganni, who was cared for by the hospice before he died.
She said: “Weston Hospice is a very special place for myself and my family, you gave my Dad the best end-of-life care and no matter what we do or how much money we raise it will never be enough. We will forever be grateful for the care you gave my Dad and for making a time that was so hard, bearable.
“We would like to say a massive thank you to the hospice for all the support for our challenge.”
Jenny and Claire completed the run on 13 May and did so in an impressive time.
She said: “Me and Claire completed the great Bristol 10K in 1 hour 13 minutes.”
The pair managed to raise more than £800 which will be donated to the hospice.