Three primary school students are set to take on the Mini London Marathon in memory of their teacher.
Joe, eight, Jack, nine, and Finley, 11, from Edward Francis Primary School in Rayleigh, will run on Saturday, April 26, to raise funds for Havens hospices.
The trio are motivated by the care their teacher, Miss Alice Hood, received from the hospice at the end of her life.
Miss Hood, a dedicated teacher, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer at the age of 32.
Despite undergoing chemotherapy, a mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery, the cancer spread to her spinal fluid, and she was given just days to live.
She spent her final days at Fair Havens, part of Havens hospices.
Her parents, Denise and Bernard, said: "Coming into Fair Havens, it was like a hotel.
"It was calm and peaceful.
Alice and parents in London (Image: Havens hospices)
"A nurse came out to meet us in the ambulance, introduced herself and welcomed us in.
"Immediately, your shoulders drop, and there’s a relief that there’s someone there for you.
"You instantly know they’re going to look after you."
The boys were successful in the school's ballot for the Mini London Marathon and are determined to raise funds for the charity.
Susie May, event fundraiser at Havens Hospices, said: "We are so incredibly proud of Fin, Jack, and Joe for taking on the Mini London Marathon in support of Havens hospices and in memory of Miss Hood.
"Their motivation and commitment is really inspiring, and we know Miss Hood would be so proud of them too.
"The funds raised will help us support more families like Alice’s, providing vital care when it’s needed most."
You can support the students by donating to their JustGiving page, https://www.justgiving.com/page/finjackjoe.
Fair Havens provides specialist care for adults in Southend, Rochford, and Castle Point living with complex or incurable conditions.
The hospice also provides wellbeing and bereavement support to families.
This care is provided free of charge, thanks to the support from fundraisers like Finley, Joe, and Jack.
Denise and Bernard added: "Without Alice everything is different.
"You never move on, but you move forward and we’re just so grateful Fair Havens was there for us all.
"The only thing they couldn’t do for her was make her better."