Posted on 9th Jul
A London woman is running the Newark Half Marathon on Sunday, 16th August to raise awareness and funds for a Newark hospice charity close to her heart.
Supporting Beaumond House Hospice Care, Mel Scott-Avis is running in memory of her husband’s grandmother, Pat, who was cared for by the charity during the final stages of her life.
After seeing first-hand the positive impact Beaumond House has on patients and their families at one of the most difficult times in their lives, Mel was inspired to give back and has set herself a challenge to raise £500 for the charity.
“Beaumond House provided compassionate care, comfort, and dignity, not only for Pat but for our whole family,” she said.
“At an incredibly difficult time, knowing she was being looked after by such caring and dedicated staff gave us reassurance and allowed us to focus on spending precious time together.
“The support they offered helped ease some of the worry and uncertainty that families often face, and we will always be grateful for the kindness they showed throughout her care.”
In preparation for the 13.1-mile challenge, Mel is balancing training with her busy schedule as she looks after her two young children.
“I’ve always enjoyed setting myself a challenge, and a half marathon felt like the perfect way to push myself while raising money for a cause that means so much to our family,” she added.
“I’ve done just one half marathon before but, with two young children, the biggest challenge is finding the time to train.
Mel Scott-Avis (far left and also pictured below, left) and her family with Pat (middle), who she is running in memory of.
“You’ll often find me out running in the park pushing one child in a buggy, and one child riding alongside on a bike!”
Beaumond House is the 2026 partner charity for the half marathon and Mel will join hundreds of runners taking on the popular route, which starts in Sconce and Devon Park in Newark and follows a mostly flat, fast course suitable for both beginners and seasoned runners.
The proceeds raised by Mel’s efforts will enable Beaumond House to continue providing palliative care to patients and families, including in patient and Hospice at Home services.
Caroline Swindin, head of fundraising at Beaumond House, said: “We are hugely grateful to Mel for taking on this challenge in support of Beaumond House. We’re all rooting for her as she prepares to run for a cause that means so much to her and her family.
“Our care services are only possible thanks to the generosity of supporters and fundraisers like Mel. All funds raised go towards continuing to provide compassionate, personalised care to our local community when they need it most.”
To sign up for a Beaumond House charity place at the Newark Half Marathon, go to www.beaumondhouse.co.uk/newarkhalfmarathon
