A DORSET woman will don her running shoes in memory of her Nana later this year.

Lucy Gregory and a group of family and friends will be taking part in Weldmar Hospicecare’s Colour Run on Saturday, May 12 in memory of her Nana, Rita Meaden who passed away in November 2017 after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Rita become unwell in January 2017 and started deteriorating rapidly, although nobody knew what the cause was.

After a very few months of Rita being unwell which included a stay in a care home, admission to hospital as well as appointments with consultants and neurologists, she was given her diagnosis of MND.

Following the diagnoses, he spent her last days at the Joseph Weld Hospice in Dorchester with Lucy saying that they were greeted with such warmth, kindness, calmness and generosity by the nurses.

Lucy added: “In November 2017, my life was turned upside down…my lovely Nana passed away. Not only was she my Nana, she was my best friend.

“She was in the very advanced stages when her diagnosis was confirmed so it was crucial for us as a family to ensure she had the very best end of life care. My Nana died only twelve days after receiving her diagnosis.

“Learning to live life without my best friend is proving to be a huge challenge but one thing this experience has inspired me to do is fundraise for Weldmar.

“It is such an incredible charity and I feel so honoured we were able to use them. The words thank you will never be enough to all of the amazing staff.”

The 4km colour run takes place at Lodmoor Country Park in Weymouth and will include a set of crazy, inflatable obstacles to climb over, under and through as well as the chance to run through various colour stations.

Last year the event raised over £95,000 and this year, Weldmar are hoping that more can be raised thanks to the generosity of the participants and their sponsors with Lucy.

To support Lucy’s efforts, visit justgiving.com/lucyfamilyandfriendsfundraiseforweldmar.