One man’s 100K journey to support hospice care across Greater Manchester

On Thursday 2nd April, Martin Foster, Programme Lead for the Greater Manchester (GM) Hospices Provider Collaborative, ran 100km between the nine GM hospices in one day.

Starting off at 5.00 am from Derian House Children’s Hospice, in Chorley, his journey continued on to the rest of the hospices en route: Wigan and Leigh, Bolton, Bury, Springhill, Dr Kershaw's, Willow Wood, Francis House and Moya Cole (both sites).

Members of the public honked their car horns as they passed by Martin running up the hill, approaching Bury Hospice.

He arrived at midday, and was met by family, friends, and peers, cheering every step taken in support of the hospices across the region.

Although the physical challenge was immense, Martin pushed past the discomfort, driven forward by the knowledge that his efforts would bring attention and funding to hospice care services.

Nationally, government funding covers up to around 40% of the care that hospices provide, despite their essential role. Which in the case of Bury Hospice, is only 17% statutory support.

This limited funding results in many hospices depending heavily on charitable donations to bridge the gap, so that they can continue their work.

According to Hospice UK, nearly six-in-ten English hospices have made or are considering cuts to frontline services, as financial pressures across the sector continue to intensify.

This reality makes fundraising efforts like a 100k run (the equivalent of 2.5 marathons back to back), both admirable and necessary.

Martin said: “I’m raising money for a cause that I really care about.”

He added: “Children and adult hospices look after vulnerable people at the most difficult times of their lives […].”

“When they need specialist care from the experts, hospices give them that, as well as dignity and kindness, and the most loving wrap around care imaginable.”

To help Martin raise essential funds in aid of palliative and end-of-life care across Greater Manchester, please visit:

Support Martin