An 80 strong squad of runners will be taking part in the iconic Reading Half Marathon this Sunday (March 17) to raise funds for Sue Ryder.

From the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading and their day services in Newbury and Wokingham, the charity provides expert palliative care and support for people at the most difficult times of their lives.

The group of runners will go by the name #TeamIncredible - coined from the incredible care that Sue Ryder provides.

Jamie Hodder is running in memory of his auntie.

He said: "I was devastated to lose my auntie Sheila to cancer.

"For anyone who knew Sheila, you'd know her beaming smile would light up any room and her laughter was infectious.

"The care Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent offered my auntie during her stay, as well as the rest of my family, will always be remembered.

"The staff were amazing and so supportive during a very difficult time for us."

Kellie Allen is running with her friend Lucy Gardener and said: "We chose to support Duchess of Kent as we are well aware of the fantastic support they offer.

"Over the years some our family and friends have been referred to the hospice, and many friends have also had an association.

"My aunt worked there for years, she only recently retired, and can’t speak highly enough of the hospice and what an amazing place it was to work.

"Lucy’s nan recently spent her last days there."

Fundraiser Megan Cox, who is running with her Thames Valley Police colleagues, said: "Although we have not had any family members under Sue Ryder's care, we know that this is a situation that may arise for us.

"We have friends who have had loved ones cared for by the charity and from their experiences they have said how the Sue Ryder Nurses were amazing and also offered expert and compassionate support during and after.

"We hope people acknowledge the extent of care that Sue Ryder provides."

Laura Kell, head of hospice fundraising at Sue Ryder, said: "We are very grateful to our record number of fundraisers taking on this challenge.

"Our care is free, but it costs us £13,000 per day to provide it.

"In order to continue to provide and develop our services we rely on our local community taking part and gathering sponsorship for events like Reading Half Marathon to help raise this money.

"For those that are running please look out for #TeamIncredible on the day and be assured that our Sue Ryder staff and volunteers will be cheering you on at various points along the course.

"The half marathon route goes right past the front door of Duchess of Kent Hospice opposite Prospect Park, so this will be a significant and meaningful part of the race for our runners knowing the money they raise will directly help support patients."

For more information about local Sue Ryder services please visit www.sueryder.org/duchessofkent.