Hospice worker to run 256 miles across Wales in tribute to family care

A healthcare assistant at Rowcroft Hospice is preparing to take on a gruelling 256-mile ultramarathon challenge to raise funds for the charity that supported her family through loss.

Heidi Treleaven, 51, who works in the hospice’s Inpatient Unit, will set off on Tuesday 14 April to run six back-to-back ultramarathons over six days, travelling from Holyhead to Barry Island.

The challenge will see her cover distances of up to 50 miles a day across mountainous terrain, navigating the route herself and pushing through physical and mental exhaustion.

For Heidi, however, the challenge is about far more than endurance. It is a personal effort to give back after the hospice cared for her loved ones during some of the most difficult moments of her life.

“I feel very lucky that I’m able to run,” said Heidi. “So for me, it’s about using that ability to give something back.”

Her father, Mike Steer, and brother-in-law, Timothy Chant, were both supported by Rowcroft before they died just 16 days apart in 2023.

“It was a horrendous time,” Heidi said. “But knowing the hospice team was there for us made all the difference. They helped me and my mum to care for my dad at home in the way he wanted, and it meant everything to know they were there supporting us.”

More recently, her father-in-law also received care from the hospice’s Hospice at Home team.

Through her work, Heidi said she sees first-hand the impact of specialist end-of-life care on patients and their families across South Devon.

“At Rowcroft, we go above and beyond for every patient and family,” she said. “It’s the little things – the time we spend, the care we tailor to each individual – that really matter. We work so hard to make the difficult times the best they can possibly be.”

Despite working long 12.5-hour shifts, including nights, Heidi has been training intensively, running along the South Devon coast and completing long-distance routes between Exeter and Torquay.

Her six-day challenge begins with a 37.5-mile run, followed by several stages exceeding 50 miles, including demanding mountain sections, before finishing on tired legs at the Welsh coast.

“If I’m going to do something, I want to make it count!” she said.

“I’m not a super experienced runner,” she added. “I’ll just give it my best. That’s all I can do.”

Heidi admits her biggest concern is not finishing, having previously had to withdraw from a long-distance event due to injury, but she remains determined to complete the challenge.

“If you want to take on a challenge, I’d say ‘just go for it!’” she said. “And if you can raise money for a cause you’re passionate about, then so much the better!”

She hopes to raise £1,000 to support Rowcroft Hospice’s work providing specialist care and support to patients and families across the region.

“I am so proud to work alongside the hospice’s amazing team – such special, caring people who go that extra mile to ensure patients and families are well cared for and supported holistically,” said Heidi. “And I really want to raise some funds to help the team continue their crucial work.”

Donations can be made via her JustGiving page, with every contribution helping the hospice continue its services for people across South Devon. www.justgiving.com/page/heidi-treleaven-3

Every pound raised helps Rowcroft be there for local people who need their expert care and support. Why not take on a challenge of your own? Visit Rowcroft Hospice’s website to find out more and get involved: rowcrofthospice.org.uk/challenges