Chesterfield man aiming to run a half marathon each weekend in June to raise money for Ashgate Hospice

Joe Taylor is hoping to raise more vital funds for the hospice by running a half marathon each weekend through June, which would take him on a challenging 52.4 mile journey.

Originally Joe would be preparing to take part in the Chesterfield half marathon as he has done each year since, 2017. Due to the uncertainty of the current lockdown measures in response to the coronavirus, runners like Joe, across Chesterfield, are unsure if the half marathon will even take place.

This has helped inspire the new challenge for Joe, and he is urging people across Chesterfield to support him in anyway they can. To date, Joe has already raised £275 via a JustGiving page and has promised to provide regular updates to his supporters on a separate Facebook page.

Speaking to the Derbyshire Times, Joe said: “I have supported the incredible Ashgate Hospice since, 2017. I have got friends and family who often rely on the hospital services which has helped me understand just how important the hospice is to people.

“In 2016, I lost fair bit of weight which inspired me to start running. I set my sights on training for the 2017 Chesterfield half marathon, which was a great experience helping me work towards the marathon as a yearly exercise and fundraising habit.

“During the lockdown phase, I’m running a ten mile track three times a week meaning I should be okay to go ahead with the plan. Not having to travel to work each day has helped me devote more time to exercising.

“I was unsure what to set as a fundraising target, I understand so many people have been affected financially by the Covid-19 crisis. That said, I originally set the target to £200 and sought support from family and friends.

“Fortunately, I raised £200 very quickly and I’m hoping more people out there are willing to support me and raise even more money for the incredible hospice.”

You can find more information and help Joe raise funds for Ashgate Hospice at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joe-taylor37