Three Peterborough women to run 155 miles each to raise funds for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice

Amee Garala and her good friends Lisa Sullivan and Kate Karagholi are each running 155 miles throughout January – a combined total of 465 miles.

They are taking part in ‘Run-uary’, an international initiative to get people running during January. Not ones to shy away from a challenge, they have chosen the endurance option of completing 250km (155 miles) each.

The friends are doing the demanding run in memory of Amee’s dad Parsotam ‘Patel’ Garala.

They are also stepping out to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, which cared for Patel in 2018.

In a fitting tribute, the trio will finish their challenge this Sunday 31st January – which would have been Patel’s 65th birthday.

Come rain or shine, the friends have been completing chunks of their individual distances separately due to lockdown, in the areas where they live.

They say it has been tough – they are keen runners but haven’t attempted this length of distance before, and have often been running in the dark because of the shorter days.

This isn’t the first time school teacher Amee has taken on a charity challenge for Sue Ryder. Last summer, she and a colleague from The Peterborough School cycled and ran 22 miles in a day to see all of their Year Two pupils while they were learning from home.

“Dad was a big believer in giving back,” said Amee. “We'd like to continue his legacy by raising money for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice where he was looked after extremely well and where he is fondly remembered.

“My family will be eternally grateful for the love and care they gave dad, as well as the support they showed our family throughout his brave journey. Their care meant our family could share precious moments together during the end of dad's life, something which we will cherish forever.

“Finishing this challenge on what would have been Dad's 65th birthday will be special, especially given that running was a father-daughter activity we did.

“I also run a cheerleading squad for young people with additional needs and recently one of our athlete's dad, Adrian Boocock, was cared for and looked after at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice,” added Amee.

“Adrian was a wonderful and charming man who will be missed by friends and family. This challenge is also for him.”

The three friends’ support could not come at a more crucial time for Sue Ryder, the national healthcare charity that runs Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. It recently launched a second urgent fundraising campaign in response to the devastating impact the pandemic is having on its funding; fundraising events remain cancelled and Sue Ryder’s charity shops are closed once again.

Nilesh Patel, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, said: “We are really impressed by Amee, Lisa and Kate’s dedication and determination to take on this difficult endurance run during the wintry weather of January. A huge thank you from all of us here at the hospice for raising vital funds and awareness. Your help means that we can continue to offer our compassionate palliative care and bereavement support to patients and their loved ones. We want to wish you lots of luck with the rest of your inspiring challenge.”

You can find out more about Sue Ryder’s Winter Appeal at www.sueryder.org/winterappeal20You can support Amee, Lisa and Kate’s run through JustGiving: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lisakateamee