St Elizabeth Hospice worker Helen Finlinson, 42, to run London Marathon in aid of young adults

A hospice worker from Woodbridge is set to run the London Marathon in aid of young adults.

Helen Finlinson, 42, who works St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich, will be trying to raise money for those with life-threatening illnesses.

One of the architects behind Zest, a hospice service which helps transition those 14 and up into adult care, she will be one of thousands taking part on October 2.

Her role in helping these young people has motivated her to take part in the marathon.

Helen said: “I've always dabbled in running, and up until I ran the Great East Run, a half marathon, a few years ago, the London Marathon was firmly on my bucket list. I found the half marathon extremely challenging so promptly took the latter off my list.

“However, this year a space came up to run for the hospice Zest service and some mad part of me jumped at the chance to take this on.

"It's a last minute space which means I have had to cram in the training in the heat of this hot summer, which has made this even more of a mad challenge.

“But when I see what Zest families have to overcome and cope with every day I give myself a talking to and it really helps me to face up to this marathon challenge."

Helen added the memory of Zest patients who have passed away will keep her going.

Until the start date, she will continue fund-raising to raise money for the hospice.

Zest helps provides specialist support to young adults with progressive and incurable illnesses.

It ensures they receive the care they need while also helping them transition into adult care.

St Elizabeth Hospice serves Ipswich, East Suffolk, Waveney and Great Yarmouth.