Boutique owner to run 'Virtual Marathon' after charity event cancelled due to coronavirus

Laura Saunders, founder of LauryLee in Ottery St Mary will be attempting to run a marathon distance on May 24 in aid of Hospiscare.

Independent boutique store LauryLee had previously spent two months planning an in-store charity event to be held on the last weekend of March in aid of Hospiscare.

Sadly, like many other charity events, this was cancelled as the spread of Covid-19 became a serious concern in the UK.

Despite this, owner Laura Saunders felt she still had to do something to support the charity.

Hospiscare, like many other local charities, relies heavily on support from donations to be able to keep the charity going.

Laura said: "As many of you know, we were due to have an in-store charity event at LauryLee in aid of Hospiscare on the last weekend of March, which has been postponed due to Covid-19 regulations. However, charities are now suffering due to the lack of donations and events like this are being cancelled.

"When I got the news that the marathon I was going to attempt, for the first time ever, was due to be pushed back, I have to admit I let out a sign of relief. Great, more time to train, or not. However, brainstorming for ways that I could help Hospiscare despite having had to cancel the event, I soon realised, tying the two together makes the most sense. Hence, The Virtual Marathon was born."

Laura has decided to commit herself to running the 26.2 miles in order to raise the much needed funds. Following all the available government guidance she'll run the route alone with no other participants, no race photographers and no cheering crowds.

If restrictions continue Laura may find herself running a one mile loop 26.2 times, or even having to adapt to running the distance in her garden.

Ms Saunders has not yet planned the route she will take and will work this out nearer the time, following government guidelines.

To follow her progress, donate or show some encouragement you can visit the Facebook event page here.