Staff at Crossland Employment Solicitors, based in Abingdon, are taking part in the half marathon on Sunday, October 11, to raise funds for Sobell House Hospice in memory of Catherine Kilvington.
Ms Kilvington, who was cared for by the hospice before her death on Boxing Day 2024 at the age of 44, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and referred to Sobell House for specialist palliative support.
Barry Ross, managing director at Crossland Employment Solicitors, said: “Sobell House has made a profound difference to people within our Crossland family, supporting both Catherine and her family at some of the most difficult moments in their lives.
“Choosing Sobell as our Charity of the Year is one way for us to recognise the incredible care they provide and to give something back to a charity means so much to our team.
“We are proud to be supporting them throughout 2026 and running a half-marathon is nothing like the pain Catherine and her family had to go through.”
The team has set a fundraising target of £500 and has set up a donation page on JustGiving.
The half marathon is one of several fundraising activities planned by the firm, which is also organising a coffee morning next month.
Catherine’s husband, Russell, spoke about the difference Sobell House made to their family during a very difficult time.
He said: “As we walked in the door, they wrapped us all in a blanket. Everything was there.
“We didn’t have to worry about the medication, what we were going to cook for dinner or leaving Catherine on her own.
“It took the worry from her being alone in bed to seeing her smiling in bed, playing games and spending as much time as she could with her a family.”
Sobell House provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care to people across Oxfordshire, supporting patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
Their services include inpatient care, community care and bereavement support.
The hospice continued to support the family after Catherine’s death, recognising that the children might benefit from further help and assisting Russell in accessing bereavement counselling.
He is also keen to raise awareness of ovarian cancer.
Russell said: “I believe Catherine had ovarian cancer for around 18 months to two years before she was diagnosed.
“If someone is experiencing abdominal pain or discomfort, I would encourage them to speak to their doctor and ask about the appropriate checks.
“It can be something that gets missed if it isn’t ticked on the checklist, and I hope sharing Catherine’s experience can help raise awareness of this disease.”
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