A husband and wife from Lancashire have raised more than £2,000 to support military patients and their families at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, after running two marathons and the Bolton IronMan between them.

Jennifer and Thomas Moore decided to fundraise for Fisher House UK, QEHB Charity’s ‘home away from home’ for military patients and their loved ones, after their family experienced first-hand the benefits of the facility. In 2015, Jennifer’s cousin had to spend an extended period of time at QEHB following an injury sustained whilst serving in Afghanistan. During his time on the wards, his family was able to stay in Fisher House, which is a five minute walk from the hospital, completely free of charge.

Knowing that Fisher House is funded completely by charitable donations, Jennifer decided to run the Manchester Marathon in April 2016 and set herself an initial fundraising goal of £500. In the end, she smashed her target, raising an incredible total of £1,225! But the dedicated duo weren’t finished just yet…

Jennifer’s husband Thomas, who ran the Manchester Marathon alongside her, took on the notorious IronMan race in Bolton, on Sunday 17 July. The triathlon challenge involves a gruelling 3.8km swim and 180km cycle before taking on a full marathon, and Thomas raised an amazing £885 for Fisher House, bringing the couple’s total fundraising to £2,110.

Mike Hammond, QEHB Charity Chief Executive, said: “Whilst Fisher House is a free facility for military families to use in their time of need, it costs £25 to house a family there for one night. With their generous and tireless fundraising, Jennifer and Thomas have raised enough money for 84 nights. I want to thank them both, and everyone who donated, for offering this vital support to injured and ill servicepeople and their loved ones.”

For more information about Fisher House, or to donate, please go to fisherhouseuk.org

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