One grandmother has proven age is just a number after setting her personal best time in a 10k race for charity.
Barbara Thackray celebrated her 85th birthday in a unique way by completing the Run North West Trafford 10k run on Sunday, March 5, to raise funds for St Ann's Hospice.
Despite being the only person to run in the 80+ category, Barbara finished the race in a personal best time of 85 minutes, much to the delight of her family and supporters.
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“I have raised nearly £2,000 on my JustGiving page from all the fundraising I have done in the last few years. This race is always special to me as my family come from across the country to run with me and some crossed the finish line with me too!”
Barbara has been fundraising for St Ann's Hospice for more than a decade and was joined by 11 members of her family as they ran the race together.
Her dedication to fundraising for the charity stems from the care her late sister Audrey received while she was a patient at the hospice, and she wanted to give something back after the excellent care she received.
“My sister’s death was much better due to St Ann’s Hospice, they’ll do whatever they can for their patient to have the best quality death they possibly can have – and that’s worth supporting.”
After starting to run aged 77, Barbara says she found running as “something that is keeping me fit as I’ve walked all my life" and her message to people of a similar age interested in starting running is "to begin gently and listen to your body."
Her impressive achievement has been widely praised by the fundraising team at St Ann's Hospice for the support and dedication Barbara has given the hospice over the years.
Lucy Leeming, Community Fundraising Manager, said: “The awareness Barbara has raised across Greater Manchester for the importance and vitality of St Ann’s Hospice has undeniably helped raise funds and awareness for our charity.
“Her passion and dedication to towards our charity shines through in everything she does for us, we’re so grateful to have her support. It was brilliant to watch her cross the finish line with so many people cheering her on!”
Barbara had 20 family members supporting her at the Trafford 10k, with banners and a birthday cake waiting for her when she finished the race.
"I've always supported St Ann's Hospice and helping them has been an extra motivation to keep running. I know they're building a new hospice and need funds now more than ever."
To sponsor Barbara click the link here.
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