Bedford woman takes on Landmark Half Marathon in memory of much-loved dad

In 2023, Molly’s dad, Steve Hawkins, was diagnosed with an unknown primary stage four cancer. After a heartbreakingly short two-month illness, he died on 7th October 2023 in the care of the expert and compassionate team at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger.

“Things escalated really quickly for dad,” Molly shares. “He had a bad back and went through multiple tests, and eventually they found lesions on his spine. Within two months, he had passed away aged just 63. It was so fast, and the hardest part was that we never found out the cause.”

A carpenter and joiner by trade, Molly’s Bedford-born and raised dad was a keen athlete with a passion for rugby and cricket, and later, when Molly and her sister started playing hockey, he became involved in their club. “My dad was the kindest, most selfless person I’ve ever known – the type who would do anything for anyone and never make a fuss about it.

“He played rugby from a young age and went on to coach the Junior Bedford Blues and Junior Swifts teams for a while after he stopped playing himself. He was really sporty.

"Mum and he loved to go on holiday – they were married for 29 years. He was everyone’s rock, who gave everything to others and asked for nothing in return.”

In a bid to honour her dad’s memory and to give back to Sue Ryder for their support not only of her dad but also of her whole family, Molly decided to lace up her trainers and take on a challenge she knew would take her out of her comfort zone.

“When dad was in the hospital, we all found it difficult. Moving Dad to the hospice changed everything. Everyone was so supportive and compassionate. Nothing was ever too much; the staff couldn't do enough for us.

“We felt that they always wanted the best for us all and would be guided by what we wanted as a family. They were a listening ear – they genuinely cared. We really appreciated that the whole family could be there for dad in his final moments, as so many people wanted to come and see him.”

The London Landmarks Half Marathon is a closed-road, central London run, and is the only half-marathon to go through both the City of London and City of Westminster. Molly continues: “My sister ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon in 2024, and I loved the atmosphere, so I knew if I was going to do a half, it would be that one.

“While I play hockey and like sports, I don’t think Dad would have imagined I would do a half-marathon - before now, the furthest I had run was 10k. That’s why I wanted to do it, to push myself out of my comfort zone and do something that would really challenge me in the hope of raising money for a charity that means so much to me.”

In preparation for the Landmarks challenge, Molly has been pounding the pavements five times a week. “The training is going well,” she shares. It can be hard to find the motivation to get out at this time of year in the cold and the dark, but everyone has been so supportive. My dog, Diego, has been coming out with me, too.”

“I did try running on the treadmill, but I think I prefer getting outside. I listen to music and podcasts, and I have been running in different locations. It has been really nice to see new places,” she adds.

Molly set an initial target of £300, but thanks to the generous support of family, friends, and colleagues old and new, she has exceeded her £1,000 target.

“I am going to be so pleased to complete the half knowing that I have done something for a good cause in dad’s honour. I know it’s going to be tough at times on the day, but I think that through my training, I am building up my mental resilience, and it will feel so rewarding when I reach the finish line.”

“My family and friends will be there cheering me on the day, hopefully dotted around the route to give me the push I need to carry on. I know Dad will be proud of me.”

To donate to Molly's fundraising, visit: justgiving.com/page/molly-hawkins-14

Feeling inspired and want to take on a challenge of your own, look at what events Sue Ryder has to offer sueryder.org/events