Northowram boy runs marathon for Overgate Hospice

ELEVEN YEAR old Zane Ridley has been keeping active during lock down by running a marathon for Overgate Hospice.

Zane attends Hipperholme Grammar Junior School. During the school closures, pupils were challenged them to collectively run a marathon, with each pupil running a couple of miles each.

However, Zane decided to go the extra mile, and run an entire marathon on his own over a fortnight.

To spur him on, the young runner decided to set up a Just Giving page, asking family and friends to sponsor him, in a bid to raise money for Overgate Hospice in Elland.

As a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, Overgate Hospice has had to cancel all of their events during the busy Spring/Summer fundraising season, such as the annual Garden Party and Colour Run.

Despite losing these major sources of income, the hospice still needs to find a staggering £11,600 every single day, in order to continue their round the clock care for patients receiving palliative care.

Zane initially set out to raise £200 for the hospice, however he has raised over £450, more than double his original target.

Zane said: “I support Overgate Hospice because a while ago my Grandad was poorly and spent some of his time in Overgate.

“Overgate does so much for people and their families during difficult and sad times, so I wanted to give something back, especially when things will be tough for the Hospice and staff as a result of COVID-19.”

Rachel Lumb, Event and Challenge Fundraiser for Overgate Hospice, said: “Children make great fundraisers and Zane is proof of this.

“It really warms our hearts when our young supporters get on board to help raise money for Overgate Hospice.

“We can’t thank Zane enough for all the effort he has put in to his marathon running!’

To donate to Zane’s fundraiser, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/zaneridley.

Overgate hospice are still accepting direct debit, online and telephone donations, and have began to reopen their charity shops.

For more information or to donate to Overgate Hospice, ring 01422 379151 or email them at [email protected].