'I want their legacy to be more than just a Covid-19 statistic'

A devoted granddaughter is fundraising for NHS charity Blue Skies as a final farewell to her much loved grandparents who died in May, after being diagnosed with Covid-19.
Ken and Phyllis Glover, who had been married for 67 years and died within the same month of each otherKen and Phyllis Glover, who had been married for 67 years and died within the same month of each other
Ken and Phyllis Glover, who had been married for 67 years and died within the same month of each other

Amy Holden, 31, set herself the challenge of running a half marathon in memory of her grandparents, Ken and Phyllis Glover.

After 67 years of marriage the couple, who lived in Normoss, died within the same month as each other, something Amy attributes to their adoration for one another.

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“Losing parents and grandparents is hard enough but losing them in such quick succession in such difficult circumstances is incredibly painful.

Amy Holden is running a half-marathon in memory of her grandparents, Ken and Phyllis GloverAmy Holden is running a half-marathon in memory of her grandparents, Ken and Phyllis Glover
Amy Holden is running a half-marathon in memory of her grandparents, Ken and Phyllis Glover

“Coronavirus has changed our lives entirely.”

Amy, from Warrington, has set out to commemorate her grandparents’ lives by fundraising for Blue Skies Hospitals Fund, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Charity.

She says she is determined to honour her grandparents with a positive tribute and wants to show her gratitude for Blackpool Victoria Hospital after they provided excellent care for the

couple in their final few weeks together.

She added: “We were unable to see Nan and Gramps in their last few days but the Palliative Care Team at the hospital was truly remarkable and we are forever grateful for all they did for

us.”

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Her plan was to take part in the Warrington Running Festival half marathon in September however; Amy will run her own 13 miles this month as the event has now cancelled.

Amy added: “I want their legacy to be more than just a number or a statistic of Covid-19, so I thought this was a way to try and make something good out of a terrible situation.

“I was someone who couldn’t run to the end of the street without having a rest and now I’m going to attempt to run 13.1miles in one go.

“Training has been a challenge as I’m not a natural born runner and it’s been incredibly hard at times because I’m alone with my thoughts, but it has really helped with my grief.”

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Her fundraising page is up and running and Amy has already surpassed her original goal of £500, with the total donations currently sitting at £620.

The funds raised will go towards the Palliative Care Team via Blue Skies in memory of her grandparents.

Amy added: “Donations will enhance the work of the hospital and the palliative care team to ensure families can continue to be looked after in the way that we were.”

Visit her JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amydoesahalfmarathon

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