Family to run Great North Run in memory of grandmother cared for by Sue Ryder

A family of four is preparing to take on one of the country’s biggest running events together this weekend - in tribute to the Sue Ryder care their much-loved mum and grandmother received 25 years ago. 

Richard Watson, 59, will run the AJ Bell Great North Run on Sunday 13 September alongside his wife Linda, 60, and their daughters, 23-year-old Emily and 21-year-old Jess. 

The family, from Bedford, are taking on the 13.1-mile challenge in memory of Richard’s mum, Valerie Watson, who was cared for at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2001. 

Valerie spent about months receiving care at the Sue Ryder hospice before she died on Christmas Eve later that year, aged 58.  

For Richard, who works as head of finance at a local school, the hospice has remained a special place ever since. 

“My mum died at Sue Ryder St John's Hospice 25-odd years ago, and it’s a place that once you’ve come across it, it’s always in your heart,” he said.  

“You can never get away from feeling that way. I’ve lived in Bedford all my life, and the hospice is a place that’s so special to me.” 

Richard remembers St John’s as a "peaceful and caring place", where his family were supported through some of the most difficult moments of his mum’s illness. 

The connection to the charity has continued through the years, with Richard also having friends whose parents received care from Sue Ryder. 

“My mum used to go there for care during her illness, right up to her death, and it’s a place that’s just so caring and peaceful," Richard said. 

“When you go through death as horrible as it is as a family member, the staff and volunteers there made it so much easier.” 

Richard’s decision to return to the Great North Run for Sue Ryder was also inspired by his daughters. 

It was his youngest daughter, Jess, who suggested that the family should enter the ballot together. Richard and Linda were successful, while their daughters initially missed out.  

Jess and Emily subsequently secured places through Sue Ryder's fundraising team. 

Although Jess is not a regular runner, she has recently started playing rugby for Bedford Blues, while the family have all been putting in the training ahead of the event. 

Richard has completed the Great North Run five times previously, including once for Sue Ryder, but he said this year’s event will be particularly special. 

“I think this will be my sixth Great North Run,” he said. “It’s a great experience and a great, fun event because you get great support. 

“We’ve been training hard for it, and I’m very proud of the two girls for putting the training in as well.” 

For Richard, seeing his daughters take on the challenge in memory of a grandmother they never had the chance to meet means a great deal. 

He said his mum will be very much on his mind as they take on the 13.1-mile route from Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields. 

“Jess and Emily have never met their nan, but she’s always been part of our family,” he said. “They’ve always asked lots of questions about her. 

“I think mum would be proud of me, and even though she never met my daughters, she'd certainly be proud of them. 

"Mum will definitely be on my mind as we make our way around the course." 

The family have so far raised around £900 for Sue Ryder and hope to reach £1,000 through their fundraising.  

The money will go towards funding Sue Ryder’s palliative and end of life care for people living with a terminal illness across Bedfordshire.  

Sue Ryder also provides online bereavement support including a bereavement community and resources on coping with grief – offering hope, dignity and kindness when it matters most. 

You can support their Great North Run fundraising for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/page/emilyjess-watson?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL. 

Anyone who is interested in taking part in a running challenge for Sue Ryder, can find out more by visiting: Run for Charity local events | Sue Ryder.