Grandson to run 120km over 24 hours for hospice

A 31-year-old man is training to run 120km (75 miles) in 24 hours, in memory of his grandmother and to raise awareness of palliative care.

Mary Lerway died in October 2023 and now Josh Galea, her grandson who lives in Bristol, is running the equivalent of almost three marathons to support St Peter's Hospice.

Mr Galea, who became Ms Lerway's informal carer when her health declined, said: "Unfortunately, the end of my Nan's life was very difficult, not only for her, but also for the wider family who had to care for her.

"A dignified and comfortable death is so, so important and that's why I'm doing this challenge. It's what my Nan would have wanted me to do."

Ms Lerway was first seen by nurses from St Peter's Hospice 48 hours before she died.

Mr Galea said that within an hour of them arriving the whole situation improved and the family could "breathe a sigh of relief".

"It put us at ease knowing that she was being looked after, and it allowed us to say goodbye to her peacefully," he said.

Mary Lerway died aged 85, the day after her daughter's 60th birthday.

Now, Mr Galea is channelling his grief into action.

On 25 and 26 October 2025 he will run 120km (75 miles) in 24 hours to raise money for St Peter's Hospice.

He said: "I've had no choice but to train as I'm not a runner, I hate running in fact.

"I spent my whole life playing ice hockey for Bristol but I had to stop when I started caring for Nan.

"My biggest win so far has been 50km in one go – I'm completely winging it!"

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