Fab five fundraisers take on Cheltenham Half in memory of mum
Four siblings and one of their partners are gearing up to take on the Cheltenham Half Marathon and 10K for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice later this year, in memory of their much loved mum, Andrea, who died in November following a battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
A real family event
Matt Shutt, Clayton Shutt, George Shutt, Eavie Shutt and Clayton’s partner, Erin Coffey, are all in training to take on either the Cheltenham Half Marathon or the 10k in September this year, in memory of Andrea Shutt.
Together they hope to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in Gloucestershire, who helped care for Andrea.
The fab five fundraisers will be lining up behind the start line in September, in what will be a big month for the family, with sibling Tillie expecting her first child and Matt due to get married five days after the run.
Eavie Shutt, a chef, said: “The Cheltenham Half is going to be a real family event for us and I am sure there will be lots of cheering. My twin sister Tillie will be there, either heavily pregnant or with her baby in her arms! She’ll be joined on the side lines by the partners of George and Matthew, our aunties, our granny, our dad, our step-dad and maybe our other grandparents too, as they will be travelling here for Matthew’s wedding, which is five days later!”
Brother Matt, who became a police officer after being inspired by his mum Andrea, added, “My wedding is five days after the half marathon. I’ve already been in touch with a sports therapist to get a massage booked in afterwards to make sure I can walk down the aisle ok!
“Mum would probably call me an idiot for running my first half marathon five days before my wedding, but she would always give us her unwavering support. She has always given everything for all five of us. She was so supportive and always made sure we were doing what we wanted to do. I think she would be over the moon to see what we’re doing in her memory.”
“Leckhampton Court Hospice means a lot to us all”
So far the family fundraising team have raised £1,200 for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice – a cause which is close to their hearts.
Eavie said: “Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice means a lot to us all. Mum absolutely loved the hospice. The staff there were amazing. I can remember one of the nurses made a special hat for mum and called her ‘Queen PCSO’ as mum was a police officer. They let us all stay over, and we ordered pizza. All the staff were lovely.”
Matt added, “It’s difficult to put into words how grateful we are and continue to be for the care Sue Ryder gave to our mum. They were all fantastic. They gave help and support while she was there, and that support and advice continued when she moved to a different residence. If we needed any advice they were there, we would call and they came back to us. They were brilliant.”
Pounding the pavements
To get race day ready the family are already out pounding the pavements in their local areas and they’re all motivating each other in their training.
Eavie, who is taking on the Cheltenham 10k distance, started her training in February. “I downloaded the Couch to 5K app to begin with and it sat there on my phone for a few weeks. I find it hard to run by myself, so I’ve been running with my brother, George, when I can.”
“The training is starting to get difficult as it’s starting to get warmer now, too, but when the going gets tough my motivation is ‘if my mum could do it, then so can I’. Mum was a keen runner and did a number of runs and although she wasn’t the fastest, she always did it and she never stopped. I keep that in my head.”
“This is for Mum”
Eavie shares that the fundraising run is already starting to become a bit competitive among the family, too.
“All three of my brothers are competitive with each other. Clayton will no doubt be out in front, with George and Matthew battling it out to beat one another.”
Matt added, “I started running when mum passed away in November to get out and clear my head and it has gone from strength to strength. I am currently out running three to four times a week to try and build up my strength.
“Clayton did the Great North Run with mum a few years ago and he has done lots of half marathons. I have never been a runner and definitely not over a long distance, so the competition is on!”
“Before she became ill, Mum was a keen runner,” Matt adds. “She did a few 10Ks to get fit when she was in her late 40s and early 50s. I remember thinking then I should do something too, but I never had the motivation. Sadly, when things like this happen you get that motivation and Sue Ryder is more than a worthy cause.”
“Mum had five kids under five and her last two were twins. She worked a full-time job while becoming a Police Community Support Officer. What we are doing now does not touch on what she has done for us. We’re pleased to run this in her memory. This is for Mum.”
Find out more information on Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.