On Sunday 26 April, Tom Shadbolt, a 36-year-old widower from Leighton Buzzard, and Grace Dundon, a 22-year-old special needs teacher from Dunstable, will be running in memory of the people they love most – and in support of Keech Hospice, the charity that cared for their families when they needed it most.
Neither Tom nor Grace has run a marathon before. Both are stepping far outside their comfort zones to honour loved ones lost to cancer and to help ensure other families receive the same compassionate care and support.
Running for Hannah
Tom lost his wife Hannah, aged just 31, in May 2025. Hannah was mum to their five-year-old daughter, Mila, and spent the final three weeks of her life at Keech Hospice.
Tom says:
“The staff at Keech cared for Hannah in the most gentle, loving way and as a family we ensured that she always had someone by her side.
Even though Hannah was struggling with the pain and symptoms of her cancer, she continued to be the Hannah we all loved and knew; funny, caring, strong and thoughtful to the end. This incredible hospice was where Hannah spent her last moments before she, as our daughter says, ’travelled over the rainbow’.
“I chose to run the marathon for Keech to help them continue the amazing work they do and the support they give patients and their families. This will be my first ever Marathon (and likely my last!).”
Running for Heidi
Grace is running in memory of her Auntie Heidi, who died from cancer in 2017, aged just 43. Heidi meant the world to Grace, and Keech played a vital role in her care and comfort.
Grace says:
“Although I’m nervous about running such a long distance, I’m very pleased I’m doing it for Keech – a charity that’s done so much for our family. Aunt Heidi wasn’t sure at first about going into a hospice, but she soon felt reassured and comforted by the amazing care she received. They helped her with pain management long before she died. She even walked the last 100m of a Race for Life event after a visit to Keech!
Heidi would be so proud and happy I’d chosen to run the marathon for Keech. She spoke so highly of them. It was a very important place for her.”
Running together for Keech
Together, Tom and Grace hope to raise more than £5,000 to support Keech Hospice, helping to fund specialist end-of-life care and bereavement support for local families.
Lynn Russell, Events Partner for Keech Hospice, says:
“Being there for families when they need care and support the most is what we’re here for. It’s so humbling that Tom and Grace, despite their grief, have found the strength to do something so positive in their loved ones’ memories and chose to raise money for Keech.
Running the marathon takes immense physical and mental strength and stamina, and we wish all our runners the very best of luck. We can’t wait to be there on the day to support Tom, Grace and the rest of the team!”