**Mother to Honour Friend’s Legacy with London Marathon and 100-Mile Run**
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This Sunday, April 26, Jane Shorting will embark on an extraordinary journey as she participates in the London Marathon. Following the marathon, the 53-year-old will run a further 100 miles back to her hometown of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, as a tribute to her late friend, Leigh Lawson.
Shorting’s emotional challenge stems from a promise made to Lawson before she passed away from breast cancer. The two friends shared a commendable bond, and Shorting had previously completed the London Marathon in 2022. This year, alongside her husband Mark, she will not only run the marathon but also fulfill her promise to Leigh by making the long trek home.
Leigh Lawson spent her final days at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, where she received compassionate care. Just days after the 2022 marathon, Lawson lost her battle with cancer. Inspired by her friend’s courage and warmth, Shorting aims for her challenge to bring awareness and support to the charity that provided comfort to Leigh during her last days.
Upon completing the marathon, Shorting will sustain an impressive pace of around 34 miles a day until she reaches Cheltenham. Throughout this journey, her route will conclude at the hospice, the very place that offered Leigh and her family dignity and solace in their time of need.
Reflecting on her adventure, Shorting expressed how she believes Lawson would be proud of her efforts. “She would think it was absolutely amazing,” Shorting shared with enthusiasm. “This is all for her.”
Participating in the marathon this year, however, carries a distinct emotional weight. “Running the London Marathon itself will be emotional—London is like nothing else,” Shorting remarked. She elaborated on the exhilarating atmosphere of the event, recalling how audience support enhances the run, particularly as participants approach the iconic landmarks. “But this year will be different. I will be thinking about Leigh the whole way.”
Jane and Leigh’s friendship blossomed nine years ago when Shorting moved in next door. Their daughters became inseparable friends at school, solidifying the bond between the two families. Describing Lawson, Shorting said, “She was kind, funny, sharp-tongued in the best way, and she had this incredible ability to sort people out and lift them up. She was a force of nature—a one-off.”
Leigh Lawson, a devoted mother to triplet daughters aged just 15, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer five years prior to her passing. Shorting praised the dedicated staff at the hospice, noting, “The nurses had so much time for her and the family. They made her feel safe, comfortable, not frightened, and special.”
Shorting has long been an advocate for Sue Ryder; her connection to the charity is deeply personal, as her brother was also cared for by their nurses, and her mother passed away at the same hospice as Lawson. Through her efforts, Shorting has already raised an impressive £66,000 (approximately $89,000) in the lead-up to this year’s marathon, with a goal of £100,000 (around $135,260).
Post-marathon, Jane plans to tackle the 100-mile run, inviting friends and supporters to join her at various points along the route. She aspires to have an emotional final stretch, culminating with local schools and community members, including Lawson’s daughters, joining her for the last mile. “I would love a hundred people behind me for the last mile,” Shorting stated. “One hundred miles, one hundred people, one hundred thousand pounds raised for Sue Ryder!”
As the marathon day approaches, Jane Shorting remains steadfast in her determination to honour her friend’s memory while raising vital funds for a charity that provides immeasurable support during the most challenging of times. Her journey serves as a testament to the enduring strength of friendship and the impact of community in the face of adversity.