Two Harrogate sisters are preparing to take on the London Marathon in memory of their mum - while raising thousands of pounds for a local hospice that supported their family.
Amy Harland and Katie Glover will line up at the start having never previously attempted a marathon.
For Katie, the challenge came at a particularly demanding time, with her baby just six weeks old when the idea was first raised.
Their motivation comes after the loss of their mum in 2024, who was cared for at St Michael’s Hospice.
Wanting to give something back, the sisters signed up after the hospice appealed for runners.
Katie said:
"She just said, ‘Should we sign up? Should we do it?’"
Both sisters admit the training has tested them. Amy had previously completed the Great North Run and a number of 10Ks, but says preparing for a marathon has been a very different experience.
Amy said:
"Running isn’t something that comes naturally to me. Training through the winter, in all weather, has been really tough."
Their longest training run of 20 miles proved one of the biggest hurdles, but they completed it together.
Amy said:
"It would have been a really lonely experience on our own. Having each other kept us motivated."
Training side by side has not been without its difficulties, particularly as Katie balances running with raising two young children.
Amy said:
"We’ve definitely had our fair arguments. We’ve had different ideas about what’s best for each other."
However, the experience has strengthened their relationship following a difficult period for the family.
Amy said:
"You’re relearning how to be a family. The last couple of years have felt strange."
Their third sister, who lives in New York, has supported their fundraising efforts from overseas.
Since September, the pair have organised a series of events including quizzes, raffles and auctions to support St Michael’s Hospice.
Their original target of £2,000 each has now grown significantly, with the sisters approaching £5,000 in total.
Katie said:
"It’s been incredible. They’re an amazing charity, and supporting something local makes it even more special."
As the marathon approaches, the sisters say their ambitions have shifted from finishing in a specific time to simply completing the course together.
Katie said:
"We want to run the whole thing if we can. But ultimately, we just want to cross that finish line."
They will be supported from afar by family members tracking their progress throughout the race.
Looking ahead to the finish, Katie said:
"A big glass of champagne."
For Amy Harland and Katie Glover, the marathon represents more than a sporting achievement. It is a way to honour their mother’s memory while supporting a cause close to home.
Amy said:
"She’d think we were absolutely bonkers. We were never a sporty family growing up."
Amy added:
"She always supported us in whatever we chose to do — no matter how mad it seemed."
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