Grandmother Barbara takes 10km run in her stride

Grandmother Barbara Thackray is preparing for a very special challenge – taking part in the Trafford 10km road race, the day before her 80^th birthday.

Barbara, from Altrincham, took her first race in her stride at the ripe age of 77, and even managed to collect a prize for her age group in the Trafford 10km Run after finishing in a creditable time of one hour 24 minutes.

She is now getting ready to take on her fourth challenge by competing in the 10km run again on Sunday 4 March.  She will be running alongside ten other members of her family in aid of the hospice.

She has supported St Ann’s for the last 27 years since her sister Audrey Humphreys died aged 56.

Barbara has raised thousands of pounds for St Ann’s over the years, and is hoping to hit her target of between £800 and £1000 in this latest race.

Barbara, a retired college lecturer, said: “I’m raising money for the hospice again and it’s a cause that’s very close to my heart.  I’m running with lots of other members of my family, who are being very supportive, and I can’t wait to take part as it’s the day before my 80^th birthday.  I’m not shy about asking for sponsorship money – my age gives me the courage to keep asking!

St Ann’s cares for people from across Greater Manchester from our sites in Heald Green, Little Hulton and at the Neil Cliffe Centre in Wythenshawe Hospital, and via a range of community and outreach services.

Eamonn O’Neal, Chief Executive of St Ann’s, said: “We can’t thank Barbara enough for all of her support of the hospice.  It’s an incredible challenge, and we are so grateful to her for thinking of us and for raising money in this way.  I hope she enjoys the race – but more importantly, has an amazing 80^th birthday too.”

*If Barbara has inspired you to join Team St Ann’s and take on your own challenge, why not take part in the Great Manchester Run for us?  Contact events@sah.org.uk or call 0161 498 3631 for more information.