Grandmother Barbara takes race in her stride at 79

Grandmother Barbara Thackray is preparing for a very special challenge – taking part in the Trafford 10km road race the day before her 80th birthday.

Barbara, from Altrincham, took her first race in her stride at the ripe age of 77, and even managed to collect a prize for her age group in the Trafford 10km Run after finishing in a creditable time of one hour 24 minutes.

She is now getting ready to take on her fourth challenge by competing in the 10km run again on Sunday, March 4.

She will be running alongside ten other members of her family in aid of St Ann’s Hospice, the charity she has supported for the last 27 years since her sister Audrey Humphreys died aged 56.

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Barbara has raised thousands of pounds for the hospice over the years, and is hoping to hit her target of between £800 and £1000 in this latest race.

Barbara, a retired college lecturer, said: “I’m raising money for the hospice again and it’s a cause that’s very close to my heart.

“I’m running with lots of other members of my family, who are being very supportive, and I can’t wait to take part as it’s the day before my 80th birthday. I’m not shy about asking for sponsorship money – my age gives me the courage to keep asking!

The hospice cares for people from across Greater Manchester from its sites in Heald Green, Little Hulton and at the Neil Cliffe Centre in Wythenshawe Hospital, and via a range of community and outreach services.

Eamonn O’Neal, Chief Executive of St Ann’s, said: “We can’t thank Barbara enough for all of her support of the hospice. It’s an incredible challenge, and we are so grateful to her for thinking of us and for raising money in this way. I hope she enjoys the race – but more importantly, has an amazing 80th birthday too.”

• If Barbara has inspired you to join Team St Ann’s and take on your own challenge, why not take part in the Great Manchester Run for the hospice? Contact events@sah.org.uk or call 0161 498 3631 for more information.