TWO determined women are lacing up their running shoes this weekend to take on a major challenge while raising money for a cause close to many Salisbury hearts.

Shannon Gravestock and Jane Dodd will both run the 13.1-mile Bath Half Marathon on Sunday, March 15 in support of Salisbury Hospice Charity.

The pair are among hundreds of local supporters stepping up to raise vital funds to support compassionate end-of-life and palliative care for patients and families in the community.

For Shannon, taking on the race has been a huge personal challenge.

“My training for the half marathon has been a journey in every sense. Early mornings, long weekend runs, squeezing miles in around work and family life, and learning to keep going when my legs (and dare I say it, my mind) would rather stop,” she said.

Shannon Gravestock has been training hard.

“As most of the UK have experienced, it has been a very wet and cold start to 2026 and finding the motivation to get out and do my training has sometimes been hard.”

Despite the challenge, she says the motivation behind her run keeps her moving forward.

“I’ve chosen to support Salisbury Hospice Charity, an organisation that provides compassionate, specialist care to people with life-limiting illnesses and vital support to their families.

“On tough miles, when I feel tired or tempted to slow down, I remind myself why I’m doing this. Every step is a small contribution towards helping the hospice continue its incredible work.”

Jane has long supported the hospice and decided running the Bath Half would be her way of giving back.

“I have always been aware of Salisbury Hospice and the high regard the local community has for it,” she said.

“I have been a small but regular giver to the charity for many years. I strongly believe that the specialist palliative and end-of-life care that the hospice provides should be available to all who need it.”

Jane has been training across the Salisbury countryside as she prepares for race day.

“It is wonderful to have an excuse to spend time running on Salisbury Plain, especially now spring has arrived,” she said.

Both runners hope their efforts will help ensure the hospice can continue providing vital care.

“That’s why fundraising events like the Bath Half matter so much,” Jane added.

“By supporting my run, you’re helping ensure that no one faces the end of life alone and that both patients and their families continue to receive expert care and compassion at one of the most difficult times in their lives.”

To find out more and to donate, visit Salisbury Hospice website.