Mid Wales cousins run in memory of nan
Two women from Mid Wales are putting on their running shoes as they prepare to compete in the London Marathon to raise funds in memory of a family member.
Elise Hyland and Kelly Ward will take part in the 26.2 mile event in April following the death of their grandmother Ethel, who died last October.
Ms Hyland, a 35-year-old private client solicitor at Harrisons in Welshpool, said she was inspired by 91-year-old "Nannie Ethel" to take part in the race.
She said: "My nan – fondly known as Nannie Ethel – wasn't just my grandparent, she was my inspiration in life and although life without her feels unbearable, I want to make her proud one last time.
"I thought the best way to do this would be to do something in her memory.
"So on April 26, I will be running the London Marathon with my cousin Kelly. We do not underestimate the challenge ahead of us, but we will do it for nan.
"She was one in a million and lived each day with enthusiasm. She was still singing until only a few days before she passed away and never complained – she loved life and she loved her family.
"She was very fortunate, because although she had chronic illness, she was able – due to sheer determination - to live an independent life. She had a loving family to support her and sadly this is not the case for many older people.
"Kelly and I have seen, first hand, while visiting nan in hospital, that so may older people have nobody."
Because of that, the duo have decided to raise money for Age UK in the run up to the marathon.
Ms Hyland, who lives in Guilsfield, said: "Many will be surprised to hear that a million older people in the UK haven't spoken to anyone in over a month and an estimated five million people consider their television to be their main form of companionship.
"If that isn't bad enough, every year 3.5 million older people in the UK say they are dreading the winter and 500,000 spend Christmas Day alone."
So far, Ms Hyland has raised more than £1,000and aims to bolster the funds with a Valentine's coffee morning at The Corn Exchange in Welshpool Town Hall on February 14 between 9am and 12noon.
To sponsor Elise and Kelly, 24, a PHD student, visit www.justgiving.com/EliseHyland and www.justgiving.com/KWard17
