Friends plan and complete marathon to raise funds for Haywards Heath hospice

Owen Smart and Jack Larder completed a half marathon round Hassocks

Jack Smart, from Burgess Hill, and Owen Larder, from Ditchling Common, took on the fundraiser in aid of St Peter & St James Hospice on Monday, May 3.

The route took them through Ditchling, Hassocks, Burgess Hill, Wivelsfield Green and onto the hospice grounds.

It took the pals one hour and 59 minutes to complete which they were ‘thrilled’ with after months of training.

The boys said: “We aimed to raise £250 for the hospice which has obviously suffered throughout lockdown and is close to our families hearts.”

Jack and Owen smashed their £250 target, raising £1,055 for the hospice.

They said: “We loved running the race but would like to do an official one next time.

“We aren’t worried how long it takes us, just as long as we do it without walking at any point!”

Jack’s mum, Sarah Smart said : “Both myself and my husband Gary, along with Owens parents, Tamara and Simon Larder, are extremely proud of the boys and everything they achieved on Monday.”

St Peter and St James Hospice provides expert and compassionate hospice care to adults in Burgess Hill, and Haywards Heath and also supports carers and families through the challenges of bereavement and grief.