A former international athlete ran the Leeds Half Marathon earlier this year, raising more than £500 for Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) Charity in memory of her grandad, John Henry Peters.
Lucy Chappell, 29, from Kirk Sandall, Doncaster, took on the challenge for reasons far beyond completing 13.1 miles. She ran in honour of her grandad John, who passed away on October 6, 2024, after receiving care at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
Remembering a Beloved Grandad
Reflecting on her memories, Lucy said: “My grandad was such a funny man - a proper Yorkshireman. I have so many fantastic memories of him growing up. Trips to my nanna and grandad’s caravan in Filey during the summer holidays, helping him in the garden, and spending Christmases, birthdays and anniversaries together as a family.”
She added: “He had a brilliant sense of humour and, while he wasn’t always the loudest person in the room, some of the one-liners he would come out with would have us all belly laughing and in floods of tears.”
John loved sport, particularly football and golf, and spent much of his spare time at the local bowling club, playing bowls in summer and snooker in winter. He was also a keen gardener who grew vegetables at home, including what Lucy remembers as “the best carrots in the world”.
Care at Doncaster Royal Infirmary
When John became unwell in 2024, he was taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary by ambulance before later returning home. He was subsequently readmitted and sadly passed away in October. Throughout that time, Lucy says the care her grandad received never left the family’s thoughts. She said: “I cannot fault the care that my grandad received throughout his time. From the paramedics to the end-of-life care team, everyone did their very best to make him feel comfortable and safe.”
A Daunting Challenge
Wanting to thank those who cared for him, Lucy decided to raise money for DBTH Charity by taking on her first ever half marathon. Despite previously representing England in the Heptathlon and competing at national level, she admits the challenge was daunting. She said: “When I first started training, I had absolutely no idea how I was going to do anything more than 5km. It’s definitely a much different way to train compared to my Heptathlon days.”
Inspired by her boyfriend Matt’s participation in the event the previous year, where he raised money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, and as a passionate Leeds United supporter, Lucy chose the Leeds Half Marathon as the perfect fundraising challenge.
Emotional Finish
Crossing the finish line was an emotional moment, knowing she was carrying her grandad’s memory with her every step of the way. Through her efforts, Lucy has raised more than £500 for DBTH Charity, helping to support patients, families and services across Doncaster and Bassetlaw.
