Haywards Heath friends running and cycling to raise money for St Peter and St James Hospice

Charlotte Lacny and Emily Krombas are taking part in a series of cycling and running challenges in memory of a friend who died at the hospice in 2016.

Charlotte said: “St Peter and St James Hospice is a cause very dear to my heart.

“They cared for my lovely friend Heidi Simpson in her last months.

“She was a fantastic intensive care nurse who was compassionate, dedicated and always funny.

“I’m also cycling in memory of dear friend Tristan Martin who died eight years ago this May and for my lovely friends Julian MacDonald (paramedic) and Jo Burroughs- (palliative care specialist nurse).

“Hospice care is totally free and is so vital to a dignified end of life that it has become our mission to support it ever since.

“Since lockdown, so many charitable events have been cancelled that charities are struggling to maintain their vital funding.

“The hospice needs a staggering £8,000 every day to provide the fantastic care they offer, with only 14 per cent of this coming from government funding, so the hospice relies heavily on the generosity of the community.

“Emily and I both felt we wanted to do something to support this amazing facility, particularly at this time when charities are struggling to raise funds.”

Charlotte, 49, set herself the challenge of cycling 50 marathons.

The mum-of-two said: “I turn 50 this year so it seemed like the obvious number.

“I’ve never really cycled much before now, so it’s a big challenge for me.”

Before the lockdown, Emily had planned to run 13 marathons in 13 months.

When the events were cancelled, Emily considered how she could complete the marathons locally, starting with a marathon around her back garden, on the day the London Marathon would have taken place with a livestream for friends to cheer her on.

The third marathon, in Haywards Heath, re-enacted the Medoc with wine stops with friends around the Haywards Heath and Cuckfield area.

For marathon number four and cycle number 13, Charlotte and Emily teamed up on a joint event, starting in Haywards Heath with Emily running and Charlotte cycling to the hospice in Wivelsfield Green.

Charlotte said: “The plan was for me to continue to clock up 52 miles on my bike, while Emily ran 60 laps of the hospice grounds, joined by friends, before running back to Haywards Heath.

“Unfortunately, Emily suffered an asthma attack from tree pollen at mile 17, but completed the marathon after insisting on walking the rest of the way.

“This is typical of her determination in everything she does.”

Charlotte completed her double marathon then cycled back with Emily in 32 degree heat, saying ‘one team, one dream – I was never going to finish without her’.

Charlotte is now continuing to clock up the miles, getting out on her bike whenever she can.

She said: “I never had the time to take up cycling before, but I absolutely love it. It’s giving me a bit of ‘me time’ that I’ve never had before.”

I love pushing myself to always strive to be better. I think Emily is the same, and we are so passionate about the hospice that we just keep going.”

The next challenge for Emily is to run a 24-hour marathon, running one mile every hour.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/charlotte-s-2-6-hospice-challenge or www.justgiving.com/fundraising/emily-krombas2.