A HUSBAND and wife who run a plumbing business together and have never fundraised before are running from Cumbria to Warrington to thank St Rocco’s Hospice.

Martin and Jane Miceli said they were ‘transformed’ by the care St Rocco’s provided for a close friend in his dying days and decided to fundraise for the hospice so that others will benefit from great care in the future.

Martin, 37, from Northwich, said: “After what happened last year, we realised there is more to life than yourself and being selfish. 

“Our friend’s experience has changed both me and my wife. We have both started to do more for others.”

The couple will complete three days of fell running and camping as part of the Great Lakeland 3Day event between April 30 and May 2, before running 213 miles in seven days from Bassenthwaite in Cumbria to St Rocco’s in Bewsey.

“It will be a big challenge both mentally and physically. We are giving up a lot to do this – it takes a lot out of you and your work.

“We thought a lot of people do marathons and we wanted to do something a little bit different – hopefully people will donate a little bit more money when they see how difficult it’s going to be.”

Martin and Jane’s friend, Michael Ashall, died on December 2 last year and they will visit his home, where he is buried, as part of the route back to Warrington.

“Michael was cared for at home in the last few days of his life and we were touched by how wonderful the nurse was. She made it very peaceful for him,” he said.

Martin and Jane run with their five-yea r-old black labrador, Luigi, and he is also training his pet to visit dog-loving patients at the hospice.

“Luigi loves running and hopefully he can go into the hospice and cheer people up,” Martin said.

“I’m really looking forward to staying in different places and seeing some lovely scenery. 

“If we can get to our target it will all be worth it.”

Visit the fundraising page at personalchallenge.everydayhero.com/uk/cumbria-to-cheshire-epic-run to donate.