Runner completes 50 marathons by the age of 50 for hospice near Bedford

An inspiring runner has been racking up the medals completing 50 marathons before she turns 50 – and now she’s aiming for 100.

And it's all for a cause close to Kerry Surkitt's heart - the Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger near Bedford.

After completing her first marathon in Milton Keynes in 2016, she completed 49 other marathons all over the UK - including Brighton, Manchester, Windermere and Snowdonia.

And with three years to go until she turns 50, determined Kerry has set herself a fresh challenge of completing 50 more marathons by then.

She was inspired to take on the challenge in memory of her best friend Bev, who died at the Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in 2008.

“Bev was a very special lady, she was simply the best,” said the 47-year-old. “Bev always enjoyed her respite stays at the hospice; the staff were wonderful and we were always made to feel welcome.

“I wanted to support Sue Ryder in memory of Bev. I know the hospice relies on donations to help keep its vital services running to their full potential.”

To date, Kerry, of St Neots, has raised more than £1,800 for the hospice, which cares for people with life-limiting conditions as well as supporting their families.

And not one to put her feet up, after completing her 50th marathon earlier this month, Kerry plans to run another three marathons at the beginning of October.

Ellie Burke, community fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “Thank you so much to Kerry for her support – we are really impressed by her grit and determination to complete 50 marathons. We want to wish her lots of luck with her next incredible challenge of running 50 more.

"The vital funds Kerry has raised will help us be there when it matters for local families and continue to offer our compassionate end of life care and bereavement support.

“If you are inspired by Kerry’s story, why not take on your own running challenge? We are searching for people to lace up their trainers and take on the December Daily Dash, a challenge to run, walk or jog 5k every day for a month. Register here”

You can also support Kerry through JustGiving here