Running for Robert: Alex’s half marathon tribute to her Dad

On Sunday 21 September I’m taking on the Torbay Half Marathon in memory of my wonderful dad, Robert, and to raise funds for Rowcroft Hospice - the charity that cared for him in his final days.

Dad passed away peacefully at Rowcroft Hospice last June after living with mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Rowcroft cared for him with such compassion - and supported us as a family through the most difficult days of our lives.

We were all able to be there with him, holding his hand when he passed away, surrounded by peace and kindness. I honestly don’t know what we would’ve done without Rowcroft.

The day after he passed away, I went for a run by the sea. Knowing that for a brief moment, all I needed to do was put one foot in front of another was so comforting; running quickly became a safe space for me.

Last year, my sister and I ran the 10k for Rowcroft and raised over £2,000. We started from scratch with the ‘Couch to 5K’ app - we weren’t runners at all! But running gave us focus, purpose and a way to begin healing.

This year, I’m doubling the distance and taking on the half marathon. Every mile I run feels like a tribute to Dad - and a way to support other families going through similar experiences. I know he’d be proud, not just of the physical achievement, but of the support this fundraising will bring to others. Rowcroft is such a special place, and I’m honoured to run in support of the incredible work they do every single day.

If you’d like to run for a cause and make every mile count, please do it. You can register your interest to race for Rowcroft in the Torbay Half Marathon or 10k in 2025 by emailing Hayley at hayley.townsend@rowcrofthospice.org.uk. Or if you’re interested in other Rowcroft challenges, you can find plenty of ideas on their website here.

Wishing you every success and happiness with your running.

All the best,Alex SpoonerRunning the Torbay Half Marathon in memory of Robert Spooner