Running this year’s London Marathon clearly isn’t enough of a challenge for Jane Shorting.

That’s because a day after completing the 26.2-mile race on Sunday 26th April, the 53-year-old will set off on a 100-mile run back to Cheltenham.

It's expected to take her three days and she has taken on the challenge in memory of her friend Leigh Lawson, who died at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice just days after last year’s London Marathon.

Jane, who will run the marathon with her 62-year-old husband Mark, promised Leigh she’d take on the challenge, a challenge which will finish at Leckhampton Court Hospice.

Leigh, a mum of 15‑year‑old triplets and wife to Simon, died aged 58 after living with triple negative breast cancer for five years. 

Jane and Leigh met nine years ago when Jane moved two doors down. “Our girls became best friends at school and from that moment on we were solid friends,” Jane said.

“Leigh made everyone feel welcome. Her door was always open to everyone. 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.” 

When Leigh’s illness progressed, she was admitted to Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice just before last year’s marathon. 

“The nurses had so much time for her and the family,” Jane said. “They made her feel safe, comfortable, not frightened, and special.

“The girls could visit whenever they wanted. It made her last days feel normal for them, as much as they could be. And it enabled Simon to spend precious time with her. That is priceless. 

“Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice is calm and gentle. You walk in and you feel like everyone has time for you, no matter what they are doing.” 

Mark also has a personal connection to the hospice, inspiring him to lace up his trainers for Sue Ryder once again.

“Sue Ryder has been a part of our lives for many years before Leigh died,” he says. “My younger brother passed away from cancer five years ago and was cared for by Sue Ryder nurses.

“And my mum died at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice – she wanted to be there and felt lucky and privileged she was able to. The team made a difficult time a lot easier.” 

Jane ran the 2025 London Marathon in fancy dress as Buzz Lightyear, FaceTiming Leigh along the route.

“I cried a lot of the way,” she said. “It was extremely emotional.” 

Jane will run roughly 34 miles a day from London to Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in Cheltenham, supported by Mark and friends who will join her for sections of the route. 

The pair expect strong support from the Cheltenham community, with local schools already planning to join Jane for the final stretch up the drive to the hospice, including Leigh’s daughters.

“I would love 100 people behind me for the last mile,” Jane said. “One hundred miles, 100 people, £100,000 raised for Sue Ryder! 

“Running the London Marathon itself will be emotional – London is like nothing else.

“People shout your name, you get selfies with kids, and when you turn the corner at Big Ben there is no feeling like it as you start the run down towards the Mall with the crowds screaming. 

“But this year will be different. I will be thinking about Leigh the whole way.” 

Jane and Mark have raised more than £200,000 for Sue Ryder over the years and hope to raise another £100,000 this year alone, with Jane also taking on the Chicago and Berlin marathons for Sue Ryder in 2026.

“Cheltenham loves Sue Ryder,” Jane said. “Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice is the jewel of the town.” 

Asked what she thinks Leigh would make of her challenge, Jane said: “She would think it was absolutely amazing. She was brilliant, and this is all for her.” 

To  donate to Jane and Mark’s fundraising challenge, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/janeandmark2026