A YATE couple are running nearly 40 miles whilst fundraising for a cause very close to their hearts.

Abi Cox and her boyfriend Kyle James, both 22, will be taking on the Amsterdam Half Marathon and Marathon this Sunday.

They are taking on the challenges to raise money for St Peter’s Hospice after Abi’s mum was placed in their care before she died.

Lynn Cox passed away aged 53 in February after a four year battle with different forms of cancer.

“She was an inspiration, she didn’t have a bad bone in her body at all.” Abi said.

“Mum was incredible, she never judged anyone and was so strong.

“She fought cancer so long but then last year they told us that they couldn’t do anything else.

“It was absolutely devastating, nothing can get you ready for that.”

“Up until the end she never let on with how much pain she was in and then in late January she went in to hospital and she never came home.

“She had always said that she wanted to be at a hospice so we were really lucky that she was moved to St Peter’s in Brentry.”

It was during her time in the hospice that Abi and her family, dad Dave and sister Staci, were able to create some incredible memories with Lynn that Abi said ‘would last a lifetime’.

“I had always thought that a hospice was a place where you go to die but it isn’t, it is a place you go to live,” she said.

“You don’t realise just how incredible these places and the nurses are until you are in the situation.

“We were able to create memories with mum that we will cherish forever.

“These places are run by charity donations and we just want to be able to give a little something back so other families can have what we did.

“They think about everything, I went through periods where I was really struggling coming to terms with the fact that mum wasn’t going to be there for big moments in my life.

“They were not just their for mum they were there for all of us, their support got me through.”

Lynn passed away on February 22 and now Abi and Kyle have raised over £1,000 for the St Peter’s ahead of their events this weekend.

“Thanks to everyone for donating,” Abi continued.

“It is an incredible charity and I will always try my best to support them because everyone deserves what we had.”

Her words were echoed by Kyle who will be attempting to complete the 26.2 mile course whilst Abi tackles the 13.1 mile.

“Abi’s mum was such a lovely lady, always smiling and giggling, she was such a kind hearted and caring lady,” he said.

“I just want to say a massive thank you, I cannot explain how much even the smallest amount of money can help.

“Thinking about all of the people who are supporting us and how much Abi’s mum meant to everyone is spurring me on.

“I think it’ll be emotional, I think I’ll have a few tears when we get our medals at the finish line.”

The couple are flying to the Dutch capital today but there is still time to donate on their fundraising page online at: justgiving.com/fundraising/abi-cox2