Chesterfield woman to run 7.5km every day in March in memory of mother-in-law she never got to meet

Kate Redhead, 32, from Stonegravels, wanted to give back in memory of her mother-in-law Lynda, who died of bowel cancer in May 2008 and was looked after by the hospice

The mental health administrator who never got a chance to meet her husband Jermaine’s mother before she passed away, decided to launch the fundraiser to honour the ‘fantastic care’ Ashgate Hospicecare provided.

Kate is one of the many supporters taking part in the ‘Step into Spring’ fundraise-at-home event – where people are urged to set themselves a lockdown challenge and complete as many steps as possible by walking, skipping or running throughout March.

The funds will be used to help Ashgate Hospicecare look after terminally ill patients and their families.

Kate, who will run a total of 230km over the course of this month, said: "Anything I can do to help raise funds, money and awareness I will, especially now with the hit they've taken financially because of Covid”, Kate added.

"I am happy to do whatever I can to help, even if it does mean it feels like my legs are going to drop off with all the running that I'm doing.

"My husband and my family mean the entire world to me and the fact I didn't get to meet Jermaine's parents because they passed away far too young and far too soon, I do these kind of things to make myself feel closer to them.

"This is my way of saying I'm your daughter in law and I am doing this in your memory, although, I never met you I do love you.”

Step into Spring participants can choose to track their running or walking on mobile phone app Strava and will receive a special edition medal and running vest when they sign up.

Fundraising manager Carl Jones urged people to continue to support the healthcare facility during ‘an important time’.

“We know how difficult the lockdown has been for so many people so wanted to organise an event that will give our supporters a spring in their step throughout March”, he said.

Find out more about the fundraising challenge here.

'We want Evie's legacy to live on': Heartbroken Chesterfield couple launch fundraiser after premature baby dies at 23 weeks

Family of Derbyshire man launch fundraising appeal as he remains in critical condition due to Covid

Hundreds of jobs and ‘exciting’ regeneration promised for Clay Cross after multi-million pound funding boost

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.