Exercising every day in December as a tribute to their marathon running friend.

A GROUP of Winchester friends got their hearts pumping every day in December to raise nearly £6,000 for Winchester Hospice and Wessex Cancer Trust in memory of Tina Jury.

She was a popular local runner who clocked up over 100 marathons and still continued to train even during chemotherapy treatment.

Tina, who lost her life to cancer in the summer, had regularly taken part in an annual December running challenge called Marcothon.

As a tribute, Miranda Rock Smith, with the support of Tina’s family and local personal trainers, Heather Terry and Jo Little, set up Tinathon and invited those who knew Tina to take part. The challenge was to do at least 30 minutes of high-intensity exercise, such as running, power walking, a gym session, Park Run, swimming etc, everyday in December, including Christmas Day.

Thinking only a few people would take part, Miranda set a initial fundraising target of £1,000, but before the month had started over 130 people had signed up from as far away as Ontario in Canada and California in America, all inspired by Tina’s lust for life.

Participants paid £31 to sign up which went directly to Winchester Hospice and if they missed a day they had to pay a fine of £5 to either the Hospice or Wessex Cancer Trust.

There is hope that Tinathon will become an annual challenge and a lasting legacy for an amazing woman.

Photo: Sam Gavins