When the Southampton Half Marathon sets off on 6 April, the manager of Mountbatten Hampshire's shop in Shirley High Street will be among the starters.

Rachel Thomson will be running in memory of her brother, John Thomson, while raising money for our hospice charity.

---

• Can you help Rachel reach her fundraising target, in support of the specialist staff who deliver Mountbatten Hampshire's end-of-life care?
• CLICK HERE to visit Rachel's Enthuse page and make a donation

---

John was a keen runner. When a family member became unwell, John supported Rachel by taking up running to raise money. 

He drew inspiration from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, saying ‘bid me run and I will strive for things impossible.’

The mantra has now transferred to Rachel and at the Southampton Marathon event, Rachel plans to carry on his good work.

The annual ABP Southampton Marathon offers runners the chance to take on 5k, 10k, a half marathon or a full marathon distance.

A number of runners will be representing Mountbatten Hampshire, over a variety of distances.

Photos: Above, John Thomson, in whose memory Rachel will be running.

Below, the Shirley shop team are behind Rachel. From left, Rachel Thomson, Tony Gange, Mitchell Plumb, Lizi Lansley and Jane Mills.

Rachel, who started at Mountbatten Hampshire as a volunteer and who these days runs our Shirley High Street shop, will run 13.1 miles. 

She has run a half marathon distance before and although she runs for fun, not deadlines, she thinks it will take her around two hours to complete the challenge.

• Are you running the Southampton Marathon for Mountbatten Hampshire?
• Share your story and a photo. Email [email protected]