A determined young hairdresser from Stonehouse will be taking on the London Marathon next month in memory of her Mum – and to raise vital funds for Longfield Hospice, the charity that supported her family during the most difficult time of their lives.
For Molly Paskey, 20, who works at Vogue hairdressers in Stroud, the iconic 26.2-mile challenge is deeply personal.
“In January 2025, I lost my Mum to cancer. Those final weeks were some of the hardest my family and I have ever faced—but Longfield Hospice was with us every step of the way. Longfield didn’t just care for Mum. They cared for us all.
“The team helped Mum feel safe and supported right until the end. Their care and compassion were endless. They gave my Mum the chance to spend her final days in peace at home, surrounded by love. That is something we will never forget—and something I want to help others experience, too.”
Molly added: “I’m running this marathon to make sure as many people as possible can receive the same treatment that we did at the end of Mum’s life. I hate the thought that there are families out there going through illness and loss by themselves. We were really, really lucky to have Longfield looking after us.”
Longfield Hospice provides specialist care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones, both at the hospice in Minchinhampton and in the community. As a charity, it relies heavily on donations and fundraising to continue delivering its vital services.
Molly hopes her marathon challenge will benefit local people whose lives have been turned upside down by a life-limiting diagnosis. She’s over halfway to her fundraising target of £2,000 and is asking for support from local people to reach – or hopefully exceed – her goal.
“Longfield does incredible work, they made our last days with mum so calm and peaceful,” she said. “Even after Mum died, they continued to look after Dad and I through bereavement counselling. If people are able to donate, even a small amount, it would mean the world to me — and other local families whose lives have been turned upside down by a terminal diagnosis.”
