THREE women took on the London Marathon last weekend in support of Barnsley Hospice.

Karen Schofield, Emily Huby and Justine Uttridge headed to the capital on Sunday to complete the 26-mile course.

“I wanted to support a local charity, and Barnsley Hospice is one that is close to my heart,” Karen said.

“My mother-in-law, Cynthia Schofield, was cared for by the hospice in the last few weeks of her life in 2014 when she was in the final stages of bowel cancer.

“They not only looked after her, but they looked after my father-in-law and the whole family.”

Emily added: “I entered for a ballot place as a joke I never used to run and would actively avoid anything that involved running, and by chance, I got a place.

“My mum passed away on January 5 in 2021 and her last week was spent in the hospice.

“I’d never been into the hospice or even known much about what they do before my mum went, but I’m so glad my mum’s last week was spent there around staff who genuinely care about their patients and relatives.”

Justine, who previously worked on the Barnsley Hospice inpatient unit, said: “I care deeply about the care and services the hospice provides to patients and relatives.

“I was lucky enough to get a ballot place for the London Marathon, so what better way to keep me motivated for my training than fundraising for this amazing cause.”

Karen originally set out to raise £1,000 for the hospice, but said she had already exceeded that amount.