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Bath Half Marathon is one of the longest established and most popular half marathons in the UK. This year, Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) was delighted to be the local charity partner with a team of 240 running in support of them. One of those runners was Paula, age 51 from Oldland Common in South Gloucestershire.

Paula took up running 16 months ago after losing 11 stone in weight. She tried to convince her personal trainer that she wouldn’t ever run, but soon enough Paula was finding herself completing the odd 5k, followed by some 10k runs. She said “After running the Birmingham 10k in May 2018 I decided that distance was too easy and upped my it to a half marathon; my first being Cardiff last October.”

It was during that time that Paula began working as a home-carer for 14-year old Anja and her family who also live in South Glos. Paula said, “Anja is a joy to look after even with all the challenges that she encounters on a daily basis. I knew a lot about adult hospice care but nothing about children’s hospices until I started working with Anja and witnessed the benefit this family received following visits to CHSW’s Charlton Farm.”

Charlton Farm, although situated in beautiful surroundings in the North Somerset countryside, is the hospice used by children and families from Bath. It provides a secluded and beautiful setting in which families whose child has a life-limiting condition, can take some time out and just enjoying spending time as a family. As well as respite, the hospice also offers palliative, end-of-life and bereavement care.

Paula’s decision to run Bath Half 2019 for CHSW was due to the support she could see Anja and her family receive from the hospice.

Paula said “Bath was only my second ever half marathon. I wanted a challenge that kept me motivated and running for the hospice certainly did that. The race was hard but when I was getting tired, I kept thinking of Anja. The support along the route was really encouraging too - especially the CHSW cheer bus and Batala band!”

Anja’s mum, Frances said, “Paula is a wonderful carer and has a fantastic relationship with Anja. When Paula said she would run for CHSW for Anja we felt really privileged. Thank you Paula!”

Places are already selling fast for Bath Half 2020 and CHSW would encourage anyone who’s thinking of signing up to run for them. Places are available directly from CHSW's website.