This September, all eyes will be on an inspiring mother and daughter team as Anna and Isla lace up their trainers to take on the iconic Great North Run—all in support of St Joseph’s Hospice.

Training side by side and sharing every mile, the pair are proving that determination, teamwork and a shared goal can go a long way.

Based in Formby, Anna and Isla are proud members of Marsh Lane Harriers, where they’ve built not only their fitness but a strong sense of community. Running together has become a special part of their routine, although Anna jokes there’s one key condition: “as long as it’s the same speed!”

Anna is no stranger to fundraising, having previously supported St Joseph’s Hospice and raised an impressive £500 through social media—something she describes as a proud and rewarding achievement. Now, alongside Isla, she’s aiming even higher as they prepare to tackle the half-marathon distance together.

Their training schedule is no small feat. Anna typically runs four times a week, while Isla balances her preparation with gym sessions and treadmill work. Wednesdays are reserved for track training with their club, and weekends mean long runs ranging from 10 to 18 miles—building both stamina and resilience ahead of race day.

When it comes to experience, Anna brings plenty to the table. She’s competed in ultra races, including an incredible 50-mile run in Manchester that took her 10 hours to complete. Along the way, she discovered an unusual but effective secret weapon: salty potatoes for energy and recovery. Isla, on the other hand, takes a more relaxed approach, laughing, “I just winged it,” relying on bananas and energy gels to power her runs.

Despite their different styles, both share the same goal: to cross the finish line in under two hours. To get there, they’re embarking on an intensive three-month training plan, covering everything from structured runs and nutrition to strength and conditioning.

With their motivation high and their bond stronger than ever, Anna and Isla are not just running a race—they’re making a difference. You can support their journey by visiting their Enthuse donations page https://stjhospice.enthuse.com/pf/anna-gray-gnr and helping them raise vital funds for St Joseph’s Hospice. Every donation will spur them on as they take on this incredible challenge.

Good luck to both Anna and Isla on 13th September—you’ve already gone the distance in inspiring others.

Click on the link to donate: https://stjhospice.enthuse.com/pf/anna-gray-gnr