Three Running Challenges

A MAN from Rayleigh has taken on three running challenges to support the local hospice charity that cared for his uncle.

Kyle Helleur, 35, wanted to give back to Havens Hospices, which cared for his uncle Ian at the end of his life and supported his family during the most difficult of times.

Mr Helleur’s uncle Ian was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2023, and after an operation to remove it, his uncle’s condition seemed to have improved until his seizures returned and the tumour had grown again. Ian and his wife decided to enjoy the time they had left together, which is what they did.

Mr Helleur said: “As his condition deteriorated towards the end of his life, a bed became available at Fair Havens, which was such a blessing for both him, my aunt and cousins.

“Instead of being carers they were able to rest and enjoy the company of each other. The staff provided amazing support to my family in all aspects.

“We are so very grateful for their care, attention and just being there for everyone towards the end. We all can’t thank Havens Hospices enough, which is why I decided to fundraise for the charity as a way to give something back to them.”

Mr Helleur’s first fundraising challenge was the Halstead Marathon in May. It was a hot day, which brought extra challenges for him, but he pushed through the race with the help of picturesque Essex countryside and his family cheering him on at the finish line. He even achieved a personal best time of 3 hours and 35 minutes.

A month later, Mr Helleur, his fiancée and his sister participated in the Southend Half Marathon, Havens Hospices’ flagship running event, starting and finishing at East Beach in Shoeburyness.

Mr Helleur said: “My fiancee and my sister have also helped to raise money for the hospice, and they both hadn’t been runners until starting late last year, so I was so proud of them.

“On the second lap of the race, I had a lot of pain in my right hip and wasn’t sure if I would be able to carry on the race. I managed to shake it off but needed to stop on several occasions, finishing in 1 hour 39 minutes, which I was very happy with given the circumstances. The event was fantastic, and we really enjoyed it.”

More recently, in July, Mr Helleur set off on his final fundraising challenge, the Holkham Half Iron Middle Distance Triathlon. Despite not getting much sleep the night before and a very early start, Mr Helleur swum, cycled and ran a total of 70 miles in a time of 5 hours and 55 minutes.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for helping me smash my fundraising target of £1,000. 71% of the money Havens Hospices needs to care for people in our community comes from donations, so I know these donations will make such a difference to other families like mine.”

To support Mr Helleur with a donation, visit his JustGiving page: justgiving.com/page/kyle-helleur-1714846393771.

To find out more about Fundraising for Havens Hospices, visit: havenshospices.org.uk

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