A local runner is urging his community to join him on the starting line of this year's Reading Half Marathon, transforming personal miles into a powerful fundraising mission for a vital charity.
A Personal Mission Born from Loss
Richard Walton, 47, is preparing to tackle the 13.1-mile course for the fourth time this March. He is running to raise crucial funds for the palliative care charity, Sue Ryder. Richard originally took up running during the pandemic, but his passion found a profound new purpose following the death of his mother.
He decided to dedicate his runs to fundraising as a way to thank the Sue Ryder team who provided exceptional support to his family. By raising money for the charity's South Oxfordshire palliative care hub, Richard aims to ensure other families can access the same expert and compassionate home nursing that his mother received.
The Gift of Time at Home
Richard vividly recalls how the provision of specialist equipment allowed his mother to spend her final weeks in the comfort of her own home, rather than in a hospital. This meant the family could share precious, uninterrupted time together in a familiar setting, free from the constraints of strict visiting hours.
"Mum had support from the Sue Ryder Nurses over the last month of her life," Richard said. "It was amazing all the equipment that was provided, including a hospital bed that we could move up and down, so she was able to live downstairs for the last week. She could sit and see the bird feeders in the garden."
He added, "I used to go and work from my parents’ house two or three days a week and spend the time with her. She had family and friends coming in, and they weren’t restricted by visiting hours, and that made a big difference."
Community and Motivation on the Road
To maintain his training momentum, Richard tapped into the charity's digital networks and local events. Connecting with fellow fundraisers through platforms like Strava provided essential motivation and fostered a powerful sense of shared purpose.
"Being part of the Strava group really helped. If you saw someone else heading out for a run, it gave you that push to go as well," he explained. "And when you’re running for a cause, there’s no backing out. It was really nice to meet other people who were fundraising and just share that experience."
The Reading Half Marathon itself, scheduled for Sunday, 22 March 2026, is famed for its electric atmosphere, with crowds lining the streets. For Richard, the most poignant moment comes when he runs past the hospice his efforts support.
"The support is incredible. It feels like almost the whole 13.1 miles are lined with people cheering you on," he said. "Running past the hospice on race day was especially powerful – it really spurred me on."
The Ripple Effect of Fundraising
Richard has already raised an impressive £3,500. The significance of this achievement was deepened when he received a touching message of thanks from a friend currently in hospice care.
"He reached out just to say thank you for what I was doing. That made it even more meaningful, knowing the impact it was having," Richard shared.
He remains intensely proud of the potential impact his efforts could have on local end-of-life services. "Raising this money has made me really proud. If it helps even one family get the same support we did, then it’s all worth it."
The event is widely considered an ideal challenge for both beginners and seasoned runners. Those inspired to join Team Sue Ryder can find full details and sign up via the charity's official website.
