Running with Nan: A Marathon of Love and Legacy
Ruth’s Challenge is a motivational project created working together with the inspirational Ruth Saunders MBE. Ruth sadly passed away during February 2024 age 107 whilst still living independently at home. She was a friend of Fair Close for many years and visited Anna at our hairdressing salon every week without fail.
A challenge was set for Fair Close friends & members to set a personal goal to achieve something during 2024 and raise funds for Fair Close. Now Ruth’s Paris based granddaughter Alison Saunders is running the Paris Marathon on April 13th.
In Alison’s own words: “My marathon of love and legacy began with my Nan, whose spirit and determination inspired us all. She set out in 2020 to walk 104 laps around her neighbourhood, covering roughly 21 miles, to raise money for charity and then I suggested why not make it a marathon! I could not have been prouder when she completed it, showing us all the power of perseverance and love.
Nan celebrated her 100th birthday touring Paris with me, and this marathon will be another tour of Paris, with her in my heart every step of the way including landmarks like the Eiffel Tower where we searched in vain for a glass of champagne!
Her legacy of strength and compassion will guide me through each of the 26.1 miles of my challenge, as I strive to raise funds for the Fair Close Centre. The centre means a great deal to my family; it is a place of comfort, support and community that meant the world to Ruth”.
Donations can be made via the Good Exchange project reference 20294 with match funding available until March 31st (or £3001.00 is raised).
