Bassetlaw: Pat keeps it in the family to complete the Great North Run for hospice

Pat, from Retford, had decided that she wanted this year to be the one where she attempted her first half-marathon and that the annual showpiece event in Gateshead was the perfect place to do it.

Pat took on the challenge of the race alongside two other generations of her family.

Her daughter Kate took part in the main half-marathon as well, while her granddaughter, Olivia took part in the mini North Run the day before the main race.

Pat finished 388th overall in her age group in the race and 93rd woman in the same category – a great effort on her first attempt at a half-marathon.

Between them, the three members of the family raised £741.60.

“It was tough but the atmosphere was incredible, the people of the north east were so friendly and really spurred me on, as did the encouragement from my daughter Kate,” said Pat.

“I said I wouldn’t do it again as I crossed the finish line, but looking back I’m now tempted to give it another go – so watch this space.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Pat, Kate and Olivia for their amazing fund-raising efforts,” added Helen Eshelby, fund raising & events co-ordinator for the hospice.

“They pulled out all the stops to try and get as much money for the hospice as possible.

“Pat took on the challenge in memory of her uncle, Lin Williams.

“And we think he would have been incredibly proud of her achievement.

“Well done Pat.”