Barbara’s running onto the big screen

85-year-old runner raising money for St Ann's stars in adidas’ latest campaign.

By Gemma Peers on March 23, 2023

Our supporter Barbara Thackray is one of the stars of adidas’ running campaign after she was scouted by the brand for her incredible running achievements.

Barbara is an 85-year-old grandmother who has been supporting St Ann’s Hospice for over 10 years. She has been fundraising for us as her late sister Audrey was a patient at our hospice and wanted to give something back after the excellent care her sister received.

Barbara features in the new adidas Running campaign because of her positivity and dedication towards running. She also appeared on BBC North West Tonight and BBC Online in September 2022. Barbara ran her local Altrincham 10k and was the fastest in her age category, completing the race in one hour and 30 minutes.

Barbara raised nearly £20,000 across all the fundraising she has done and has raised an incredible amount of awareness for our hospice.

“My sister’s death was much better due to St Ann’s Hospice, they’ll do whatever they can for their patient to have the best quality death they possibly can have – and that’s worth supporting.”

Barbara took on her latest race on her 85th birthday on Sunday 5th March at her local Trafford 10k. She achieved a new personal best of 85 minutes as she crossed the finish line with two of her family members. Over 20 family members came to support Barbara and run with her at the road race.

Our Fundraising Team are beyond grateful for the support and dedication Barbara has given to our hospice over the years.

The awareness Barbara has raised across Greater Manchester for the importance and vitality of St Ann’s Hospice has undeniably helped raise funds and awareness for our charity. Her passion and dedication towards our charity shines through in everything she does for us, we’re so grateful to have her support. Lucy Leeming, Fundraising Manager

Barbara says she is glad she found running as “something that is keeping me fit as I’ve walked all my life.” After starting to run aged 77, Barbara says: “My message to anyone of a similar age considering starting running is to begin gently and listen to your body.”

To support Barbara with her fundraising for St Ann’s Hospice, you can see her JustGiving page here.

You can see Barbara in the adidas Running campaign here.