One of Lincolnshire’s most popular charity road run events is back on Sunday 30th October 2022: the City of Lincoln 10k.
One participant of last year’s 10k is Fiona Brown, who ran in memory of her friend and neighbour Karen Chambers, who died in July 2020. Fiona had hoped to participate in the event that year but the run was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic, taking place on 31st October 2021 instead.
Fiona had already signed up for the 2020 Lincoln 10k but when she heard Karen’s terrible news, she decided to run in support of a charity of Karen’s choice. Karen and her husband Nick chose St Barnabas Hospice as they had been caring for Karen, and Fiona set up a JustGiving page with a target of £300.
In just three days Fiona managed to raise £1,000 and by the time she ran the 10k on rainy Sunday 31st October 2021, the total raised including GiftAid was a whopping £4702.18. Fiona ran the course with husband Chris and eldest son Declan, who she calls her ‘wingmen.’ 
Fiona says: “I can honestly say I loved every minute of it, despite the torrential rain! The bad weather did not put the crowds off from coming out to support us and for that I will always be grateful.
“It was an emotional day from start to finish and I think Karen would have been extremely proud of what we achieved. We have raised a massive amount of money in Karen’s memory for St Barnabas Hospice to help others, like they helped Karen and her family through such a difficult time.”
Fiona achieved a personal best, running the course in 1:17:20, after starting her training in June 2020. With the event now ten months in the past, she says she keeps up with her running but has not participated in any further charity races. However, Fiona says they if she does, she would support St Barnabas Hospice again.
After the race, Fiona said: “This journey has been a big part of my life for the last 16 months. We will all continue to keep Karen’s memory alive and remember her for the special, kind lady she was.
“Thank you everyone, from the bottom of my heart. To have raised over £4,700 for St Barnabas is a very proud moment for me!”
If you would like to sign up for this year’s City of Lincoln 10k, taking place on Sunday 30th October 2022, register here: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/lincoln10k-22/
Top picture: Fiona finishing the 10k, and a portrait of Karen.
