A four-strong team from the county will lace up their trainers for this year’s Chicago Marathon on Saturday 11 October to raise money for Sue Ryder’s palliative, end-of-life care and grief support.
Jane and Mark Shorting, and Matt Miles from Cheltenham, alongside Louis Badham, from Longlevens, Gloucester, are no strangers to going the distance for charity. This will be Jane’s 13th marathon, Mark’s ninth, Louis’ fourth and Matt’s second marathon.
The quartet will travel to the third-largest city in the United States to honour loved ones who were cared for by staff at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in the final days of their life – either at the hospice or at home.
Louis’ Dad, Martin, died in December 2018 only weeks after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. He was cared for by the Hospice at Home team from Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.
Louis ran the TCS London Marathon in 2025 followed by Valencia the same year and Paris Marathon in April 2026. Now, in his dad’s memory, he is planning to do it all again. Louis said:
“Running the London Marathon was a fantastic experience – and I knew that I didn’t want to stop there. I ended up doing another two after that. When I heard about Chicago, I thought what an exciting and unique opportunity to take on my next challenge and keep dad’s memory alive.”
“I am really looking forward to it, and to be able to travel with other runners, all working towards the same goal of honouring their loved ones, and raising vital funds makes it all the more special.”
Matt also completed the TCS London Marathon, but just earlier this year. This was his final challenge in his ‘Miles for Katy’ campaign which saw him take on a year of physical challenges linked to his wife Katy’s passions to honour and celebrate her life.
Katy spent her final three weeks at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice. She died on 28 September 2024.
Matt, who is travelling across the US in the lead-up to the marathon – keeping up his training in Central Park, New York; Miami Beach, Florida; and Austin, Texas, said: “Sue Ryder Leckhampton
Court Hospice is such a positive place, full of kind, friendly and compassionate people.
“After the time Katy and I spent there, I wanted to do everything I could to ensure others could benefit from the same care and support we received, so I completed the ‘Miles for Katy’ fundraiser.
“Finishing with the London Marathon was euphoric but I didn’t want to stop there. When Chicago presented as an opportunity, I knew it was perfect to test myself again, raise awareness of this important cause, raise funds, and support Katy’s legacy of being kind to others.
“I have met some amazing people during my time working with Sue Ryder, so this is my way to thank them.”
At the same 2026 London Marathon event, Jane and Mark were also pounding the pavements for Sue Ryder in memory of Jane’s friend Leigh who was also cared for at Sue Ryder Leckhampton
Court Hospice.
Jane went on to run a further 100 miles from London back to the Sue Ryder hospice near Cheltenham in her ‘Last leg for Leigh’ challenge. She was joined on the last part of her running journey by some of the 2026 London Marathon runners, including Matt Miles.
Now, just two weeks after completing the Berlin Marathon, Jane is taking to the streets of Chicago for her next marathon in memory of Leigh.
Jane said: “I set out for 2026 to always be a big year for fundraising for Sue Ryder in Leigh’s memory. London, Berlin and Chicago were always part of the plan – on top of the 100 miles – and
Chicago is a nice end to a big year of raising money.
“It never gets easier like people think it does – it gets harder. But this year has had a new meaning. It’s inspired many others who wouldn’t normally to lace up and raise money, which is a huge bonus and one that makes me very happy.”
Mark adds: “Sue Ryder holds a special place in my heart. At the height of the Covid pandemic, during lockdown, the charity cared for my younger brother, Richard, at home. This meant that his wife and I could be with him at the end of his life. Sue Ryder also cared for my mum at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice before she died. It is impossible to put a price on what that care meant to us – and to them.”
You can support our runners by visiting their fundraising pages.
Jane and Mark: Jane Shorting is fundraising for Sue Ryder
Inspired to lace up your trainers for Sue Ryder? Find out more about signing up to the 2027 Chicago Marathon here: Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2026 | Sue Ryder