Clare to run Rock 'n' Roll marathon in mum's memory

Clare Brown, 43, from Prescot has taken on a series of challenges over the last few years to help raise money for Willowbrook Hospice, where Liz was cared for during the last months of her life before losing her battle against cancer in September 2012.

Clare said her mum originally went into Willowbrook for a couple of days to get her pain medication under control but, as her condition gradually worsened, being at the hospice was the only way to control her pain.

She said: "The hospice was unbelievable. At first I had to persuade my mum to try it as she thought it would be like a hospital, but after the first time she felt so relaxed and happy there. All the staff were amazing, really looked after her and treated our family with dignity, respect and love.

"It was, and still is, the most painful time of my life - but having my mum so well looked after made an awful experience a little bit better."

Before Liz died, one of her wishes was that Clare help raise funds to support Willowbrook.

Clare said: "You can’t break a promise to your mum!"

Since then, she has taken part in the St Helens 10km and the Cheshire Triathlon - raising more than £5,000 - before taking on her toughest challenge yet, the Liverpool Rock 'n' Roll Marathon.

Clare added: "The marathon has definitely been the hardest to train for - it's just relentless running. Due to the sheer amount of training, it has overtaken my weekends and when you work full-time and have two children it's really difficult to fit it in, but it will be worth it and I know that my mum would be proud."

Nichola Saunders, head of fundraising at Willowbrook, said: "We depend on the generosity of the communities of St Helens and Knowsley and it's thanks to people like Clare that we can continue to care for local people and their families. She's an inspiration!"

To sponsor Clare, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/Clare-Brown20.