Doncaster Rugby League star half back Paul Cooke is aiming to run seven marathons in as many days to raise funds for Dove House Hospice in June.
Dove House is based in Hull and is a charity that provides excellent care for people in the local community with life limiting illnesses. The charity specialises in palliative care which is the total care of patients whose illness is no longer curable and for whom the goal must be quality of life.
The hospice provided first class care to Paul's mum, Christine, during her illness before she sadly passed away last June.
The care Christine received was invaluable to Paul and his family, and Paul has decided to do what he can to ensure the hospice can continue to help more patients and their families in similar situations.
Paul said: "After seeing the tireless and selfless efforts of everyone at the hospice in caring for my mum in the last few months of her life, I have decided to do all I can to raise money for the hospice.
"I cannot express in words how much easier myself and our family's lives were made by this amazing facility.
"In the most stressful and life changing time the hospice made our last moments with my mum extra special.
"With £5 million running costs every year, Dove House needs the help of the local community to stay open and continue helping people with life-limiting illnesses.
"Your support and donations are both very much appreciated and every penny really does count."
Paul will start his first marathon on Wednesday 13th June and will run a marathon every day until Tuesday 19th June. The Challenge Cup winner will run through every part of Hull and surrounding areas and will cover over 180 miles in just one week. Click on the following link to see the route he will be following:
www.dovehouse.org.uk/paulcooke
Each start and finish is at one of the charity's 31 shops, which stretches from Hull town centre to Withernsea and culminates in a special charity night on Tuesday 19th June at the Lizard Lounge in Hull.
The event starts at 7pm and tickets are £6 each which includes a glass of champagne on arrival. There will be performances by Leroy Vickers, DJ, an acoustic set by Jay Lawson, an auction and raffle and much more entertainment - contact the hospice on 01482 785743 to purchase a ticket or email
fundraising@dovehouse.org.uk.
If you would like to donate money to Paul in support of this enormous and rewarding challenge please visit the following website:
uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PaulCooke06