50 miles for 50 years: Northampton trio take on ultra challenge for Cynthia Spencer Hospice

Three local women will take on a 50-mile self-planned ultra marathon to mark the hospice’s 50th anniversary, passing landmarks with deep ties to the charity along the way. 

On Saturday 23rd May, three local women are taking on a 50 mile ultra-marathon to raise money for Cynthia Spencer Hospice as it celebrates its milestone 50th anniversary.

The trio - Northamptonshire businesswoman, Hannah Brady, alongside hospice corporate fundraiser, Nina Gandy, and previous community fundraiser, Michelle Morris - have planned a self-designed route across the county. 

The challenge: 50 miles for 50 years.

Starting at Collingtree Golf Club, the route includes key locations: 

Delapré Abbey, Cobblers FC, Althorp, Northampton Golf Club, Holdenby House, Northamptonshire County Golf Club, The Brampton Halt, The Swan at Lamport, Lamport Hall, Pitsford Reservoir, Overstone, The Cynthia Spencer Fundraising Office, and finally, The Hospice itself.

Each location on the route has been chosen for its connection to the hospice and the community it serves.

Why 50 Miles? 

Hannah Brady, marketing strategist and founder of The Brady Creative, is the driving force behind the challenge, having worked closely with Cynthia Spencer Hospice for more than ten years. 

Hannah said: "I've supported Cynthia Spencer in various ways for over a decade, but I’ve wanted to do something genuinely difficult for a while now and what better year to do it than the hospice's 50th. In my time working with them, I've had the privilege of meeting patients and families who have been impacted by the level of care at the hospice. None of us know whether we might need that care one day, or if someone we love will. It's absolutely worth running 50 miles for."

Michelle said: “Everyone has been training so hard over the cold and dark winter months, coping with injuries and a few setbacks, but we are all excited and ready for the challenge. We are so grateful for all the sponsorship we have received and knowing we will be making a difference to such a wonderful place will really help us when it gets tough on the day.”

The trio have raised over £4,500 to date - enough to cover nearly nine days of care at the hospice's inpatient unit.

To donate, you can visit the team’s Justgiving page here.

The challenge is supported by a number of local and regional businesses who have kindly sponsored the event:

Hero Sponsors: The Qube, DFA Law, Miracle Design and Play, Orchard Home Cleaning

Champion Sponsors: Northamptonshire County Golf Club, Frasershot Studios

Supporter Sponsors: Walker Construction, Energy Efficient Logik Windows

Nina, who is a well known face amongst the local business community, added: "The support from local businesses has been incredible. These sponsors are what makes a challenge like this possible, and every penny they've contributed goes directly to the hospice."

To keep up with the remaining training and the run on the day, you can follow Hannah on @dailywithbrady on Instagram or @cynthiaspencercharity

For information on how you can support Cynthia Spencer Hospice's 50th anniversary year, visit cynthiaspencer.org.uk/50yearst.