A LOCAL hospice charity is encouraging its community to get their running shoes on for a new virtual challenge.

Marathon in a Month is a new challenge event from Hospiscare, the hospice charity for Exeter, Mid and East Devon.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a drastic impact on the charity’s fundraising efforts since March, causing many fundraising events to be cancelled.

Despite this, Hospiscare hopes to bring the community together – while socially distanced of course – to take on a marathon challenge and raise vital funds for local people living with a terminal illness.

Taking place throughout the month of October, participants can walk, jog or run to complete the 26.2 mile challenge in 31 days. Marathon in a Month allows participants to choose their level of challenge – whether that’s walking or jogging a few miles each day or even running a marathon every weekend in October.

The event is open to everyone, from seasoned runners to those who are just starting out on their couch to 5k journey. It’s a great opportunity to get the whole family involved – even four-legged family members can take part!

By stepping up to this challenge and raising sponsorship money, local people can help Hospiscare to continue its vital care for people and families living with terminal illnesses across Devon.

The charity is predicting a £1 million deficit to its funding this year. Hospiscare relies on the local community and income from fundraising events to fund 85 per cent of its services, which allows patients and families to access free, outstanding palliative care when they need it most.

Hospiscare’s vital work has continued throughout the coronavirus pandemic with the hospice’s specialist ward in Exeter remaining open and patients continuing to receive end-of-life care in their own homes.

To support the charity’s Marathon in a Month challenge, visit the Hospiscare website to register your place: https://www.hospiscare.co.uk/marathon .