A Weston Hospicecare nurse will run a self-organised marathon in the New Forest on 9 September to raise money for the charity.

Jodie Jeffery, aged 33, works as a nurse at the charity’s Jackson-Barstow House base and found her passion for running last year during a run with a friend. She now runs up to 100 miles per month.

Although Jodie has never completed a full marathon, she believes she is ready to take on the challenge to support the hospice.

She said: “I have decided to fundraise for Weston Hospicecare because I think it is such a wonderful place. The services they provide for patients and relatives is just brilliant and the care is outstanding.

“It has taken me a long time to pick a charity who I would like to run a marathon for. I wanted to find one that I felt connected with and within a few hours into my first shift at Weston Hospicecare, I instantly knew this was the one.

“I had never worked in a hospice before and it is nothing like I thought it would be. I have to say, as a nurse, it is one of the nicest places I have ever worked at. The care from each and every member of staff and volunteers is outstanding.

“I have never run a marathon distance before but I do like to challenge myself so I thought I would take the plunge and give it a go.

“I am a keen runner and have a few medals and would like to add a marathon medal to the collection.

“This will be my first marathon and I have been doing the gruelling training and getting used to aching legs. I really hope I can help make a difference with the funds I raise.

“I have taken part in a few half marathons and my first half marathon was last September in the New Forest. It was such a lovely setting and this is why I have decided to go back this year and step up to the full marathon.”

The hospice receives only a fifth of its annual funding from the NHS, meaning the rest must be raised through other revenue streams such as retail shops, donations and fundraising events.

To support Jodie, you can visit her JustGiving page by clicking here and leave your messages of support or a donation.