Meet our Hospice Run ambassadors

With Hospice Run now just over a month away, it’s likely you’re in the thick of your training and beginning to get more excited for the big day itself. And if you’ve experienced any challenges up to now, please don’t worry – this is a normal part of building up to an event.

While you’re still training for your chosen distances, we thought it would be a good idea to introduce – and reintroduce – this year’s Hospice Run ambassadors. Our knowledgeable team of runners have lots of amazing tips, tricks and words of wisdom to share, too…

Find out about each run ambassador’s reason for taking part, background in running, advise for their distance of choice, and more, below!

Ellie / @activeellie - 10k

Where do you live?

Tunbridge Wells.

What do you do for a living?

I’m training to be an accountant (and I like to think that rumours that all accountants are boring are not true 🤪).

What got you into running?

Someone at work signed me up for the marathon (at which point I didn’t really know what a marathon was) and I’ve never looked back!

What does running mean to you?

Fresh air, headspace, endorphins, friendships, celebrating our bodies for the amazing things they can do.

How did you find Hospice Run last year?

REALLY enjoyed it! A really fun event; well organised and I can’t wait to take part again!

How do you approach a 10k?

To try my best and make sure it’s fun by taking the pressure off. For me, it’s all about taking the atmosphere in and enjoying it.

What advice would you give to people training for the 10k?

Trust the process, trust that your training plan will work, and don’t forget to enjoy it!

What’s your connection with Hospice in the Weald?

It’s my local charity.

Why should people sign up this year?

Because it’s a super fun event and you never regret a run!

Blair / @blairruns - 10k

Where do you live?

Minster on Sea.

What do you do for a living?

I work in a hair salon.

Describe yourself in three words:

Father, runner and husband.

What got you into running?

My dad as a kid, and mistaken identity as an adult… A charity gave me a marathon place by accident, so I accepted!

What does running mean to you?

Not wasting the potential we were all given, and pushing boundaries.

How did you find Hospice Run last year?

Instagram.

What most excites you about this year’s run?

Representing the Hospice and raising awareness of the amazing work they do.

How do you approach a 5k?

Normally it’s during a marathon block so I take part in parkruns with few days of rest before, and I make sure I hit decent 5k paces on my tempo runs!

What’s your connection with Hospice in the Weald?

My brother-in-law was in hospice care, so it means a lot to me.

Why do you support the Hospice?

For the great work they do for the community.

Why should people sign up this year?

For a closed-road race without the masses and price tag of London, the Hospice Run is a big event, all the locals are out to support and it has a great community feel.

Laura / @laurasfootprints - 5k

Where do you live?

Crowborough, East Sussex.

What do you do for a living?

I work in marketing! I work with law firms and conveyancers to help improve the property transaction process.

Describe yourself in three words:

Motivated, determined, positive.

What got you into running?

My ex-boyfriend used to enjoy running and took part in running events with his dad and brother. I’d go along to support them and always felt very inspired! My ex bought me my first pair of ‘proper’ running shoes back in 2012, and the rest is history – I was addicted!

What does running mean to you?

I see running as part of my identity, now. I’ve been running and taking part in events for twelve years and couldn’t imagine life without it. I have ADHD, so for me running is the perfect way to burn energy and calm my mind.

How did you find Hospice Run last year?

I loved it! I had a good run and really enjoyed it. The atmosphere was great, as usual!

What most excites you about this year’s run?

I’m going to be training harder, so I will be fitter and perhaps faster than last year!

How do you approach a 5k?

I run as much as possible in the lead-up to a running event, starting with a light jog for a few miles and then gradually building up distance over a few weeks, mixing up the pace. The day before an event, I consume pasta for lunch, sip more water than usual throughout the day, and rest. On the morning of a run, I’ll have a good breakfast (porridge, banana, coffee, water), and a big stretch.

What advice would you give to people training for the 5k?

If this is your first ever 5K, don’t go too hard too fast, as you could risk an injury. Take your time, stick with it, enjoy the process, and try to see it this way – once it gets to event–day, all your hard work is done, and this will be your victory lap!

What’s your connection with Hospice in the Weald?

Pembury is my childhood village – my mum lived there for over 35 years. I personally don’t know anyone who has had to use the Hospice, but I go to every Christmas fair and I’ve taken part in many Moonlight Walks and Hospice Runs. The 10K Hospice Run in 2011 was my first ever 10K running event!

Why do you support the Hospice?

I receive emails and postal newsletters from the Hospice – I can see the hard work they do and the impact they have. Plus, you never know when you or a loved one may need to use the Hospice.

Why should people sign up this year?

Hospice Run is a wonderful event, with distances to suit every ability, from a 5K to a half marathon. Support a local charity and raise money for a worthwhile cause, while getting some fresh air!

Lauren / @runlozrun_ - 10k

Where do you live?

Currently in Horsmonden.

What do you do for a living?

I work for a health insurance company.

Describe yourself in three words:

I asked my sister this one as she will always be honest with me and I was pleasantly surprised, so… Kind, determined and supportive.

What got you into running?

My best friend Lucy, and lockdown! I’d been sent home from work and was unable to work from home at the time and my friend Lucy had downloaded the coach to 5K app for something to do. I copied and here we are!

What does running mean to you?

It means catching up with friends, escaping reality and actually feeling proud of myself for something.

How did you find Hospice Run last year?

I ran the half marathon last year and it was very hilly and felt like a real challenge but it tested me to run the distance on my own, plus the marshalls and support were amazing at spurring me on!

What most excites you about this year’s run?

The atmosphere and running with my friends!

How do you approach a 10k?

I aim to run at least three times a week, ideally four but with one longer run at the weekend.

What advice would you give to people training for the 10k?

Once you run a 5K you really and truly can do a 10K! I never believed I could even run a few kilometres let alone a 10K so if I can, with hard work, you can too!

What’s your connection with Hospice in the Weald?

I don’t have a direct link as such but I ran the Manchester Marathon in April for the Hospice and living locally to it I frequently drive past and pop into their shops.

Why do you support the Hospice?

It’s a very local charity to me and the communication I had with the team leading up to my marathon was amazing. I felt they went above and beyond to support me and knowing what amazing work they do as well, you know they genuinely care.

Why should people sign up this year?

It’s such a well supported event with lots going on, all for an incredible charity!

Helen / @helengauntpt - Half Marathon

Where do you live?

Bidborough.

What do you do for a living?

I’m a personal trainer and running coach.

Describe yourself in three words:

Energetic, determined and focused.

What got you into running?

A Race for Life 5k.

What does running mean to you?

Training gives my life structure and headspace in life, while racing fulfils my drive for personal challenge.

How did you find Hospice Run last year?

The HM course was hilly which is always good to push you, and the local support was amazing!

What most excites you about this year’s run?

It’s great to help raise the profile of a good cause like Hospice in the Weald, and I enjoy local races with the local running community.

How do you approach a half marathon?

I set out at a sustainable pace but with an undulating course it’s about giving each mile your best, and being prepared for some range.

What advice would you give to people training for the half marathon?

Build your mileage and long run by no more than 10% per week, and work on building volume and practising at race pace.

What’s your connection with Hospice in the Weald?

My dad spent his final days in a hospice so it’s a charity close to my heart.

How do you support the Hospice?

I contribute to the local Hospice charity shop to give back.

Why should people sign up this year?

It’s a great local event with fantastic support and is the perfect chance to set yourself a challenge!

Harry / @gpt.fitness - Half Marathon

Where do you live?

Tunbridge Wells.

What do you do for a living?

I’m a running Coach/PT.

Describe yourself in three words:

Alternative, adventurous and stubborn.

What got you into running?

Initially, running was a massive negative influence on me that perpetuated my eating disorder in my late teens – but having completely flipped the script on the road to recovery, running became a huge part in getting better after recognising the sheer enjoyment and satisfaction it can provoke. So much so that I have dedicated my entire career to helping others realise the same!

What does running mean to you?

Without sounding too sad, running means the world to me. It is my work, my hobby and my therapy – serving so many positive purposes in life that we would be here all day if I were to go into any detail!

What most excites you about this year’s run?

This year’s half marathon route follows roads that I myself run on a weekly basis – and with the beautiful combination of stunning scenery and brutal hills, it makes the prospect of racing along such a route incredibly exciting!

How do you approach a half marathon?

I always pace myself for the first 5k and give myself a chance to settle into a rhythm before properly pushing the pedal down. Particularly on a challenging route as with this year’s race, I will be starting off nice and steady for the first lap – and then look to drive through on the second half for a strong finish. Always finish strong!

What advice would you give to people training for the half marathon?

Don’t shy away from adding hills into your training. Tunbridge Wells and most areas surrounding are blessed with some saucy hills that will serve you well when running the half marathon route on race day. You don’t want to give your body a nasty shock on race day by only training on flat routes – plus, what goes up always comes down!

What’s your connection with Hospice in the Weald?

We have had quite a few family friends looked after at the Hospice over the years, all of which were on the receiving end of the quality care provided.

Why do you support the Hospice?

As above – but also as one of the most prolific local charities, I think it’s so important to help drive the service the Hospice provides. I have heard so many stories from many of my friends and family about how well their loved ones have been looked after, and it’s evident that there is no one better in the area at providing such care.

Why should people sign up this year?

The route is as brutal as it is beautiful – and those looking at the half marathon will have the joy of Hungershall Park times two! The Hospice Half provides a unique challenge and is a great opportunity to really push yourself on a challenging course!

Ollie McCarthy London Landmarks Half Marathon 2021

Ollie / @olliewmccarthy - 10k (and warm up lead!)

Where do you live?

I have just moved to Cranbrook but work in Tunbridge Wells.

What do you do for a living?

I am a running coach / personal trainer.

Describe yourself in three words

Smiley, relaxed and driven.

What got you into running?

I was training a friend to do a race in the Brecon Beacons and fancied giving it a go too. I signed up, completed it and loved it.

What does running mean to you?

It’s been transformational. It’s given me head space, time to think and the opportunity to grow. Further to that, it allowed me to push and challenge myself physically.

What most excites you about this year’s run?

I love the family feel of the event. It’s good fun and there’s loads of support along the way. For me, I look forward to the opportunity to push myself against previous times.

How should people go about their training?

I think go in with a plan that fits them and their lifestyle. Adapt it as you go along and if you need help, reach out.

What’s your connection with Hospice in the Weald?

I have been working alongside them for a few years to help promote Hospice Run and running in general in the local community. My girlfriend, Jess, also works for the children’s service, so I hear about the impact the Hospice has.

Why do you support the Hospice?

Because I think it’s a great charity that helps so many people locally. Most people will have or know someone who has been helped by the services they provide, and I think we need to make an effort to ensure they can continue to do the work they do in the future.

Why should people sign up this year

It’s a great way to challenge yourself while also contributing to a local charity.

Yet to sign up for Hospice Run?

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Ellie / @activeellie - 10k

Blair / @blairruns - 10k

Laura / @laurasfootprints - 5k

Lauren / @runlozrun_ - 10k

Helen / @helengauntpt - Half Marathon

Harry / @gpt.fitness - Half Marathon

Ollie / @olliewmccarthy - 10k (and warm up lead!)

Yet to sign up for Hospice Run?