From phone line to finish line: Why Weldmar’s Supporter Care Assistant Jules is running the Weymouth Half Marathon

Meet Jules. If you’ve called the Weldmar Hospicecare Fundraising and Supporter Care team lately, you might have already had a chat with him. Usually, he’s the one processing donations and answering queries about others’ fundraising efforts, but this year he’s the one lacing up his trainers and hitting the pavement in preparation for the Weymouth Half Marathon.

Having never run more than a 5K before, he’s now tackling 12K training runs and navigating the highs and lows of a half-marathon training plan. We caught up with him to see how the journey is going and why he felt he wanted to take on the challenge for Weldmar.

Finding motivation on the esplanade

For Jules, the hardest part isn’t the running itself, it’s the mental hurdle of getting out the door. “I don’t mind it once I’m doing it, but it’s just the thought of it,” he admits.

Despite being “injury-prone” and sticking to a strict sports massage routine to keep going, he’s also finding joy in the process. “Last Sunday, I ran along the esplanade. It was a beautiful day, and I really enjoyed it! The adrenaline and the atmosphere on race day paired with the thought of a KFC afterwards, will keep me focused!”

Inspired by Weldmar supporters

Ultimately it’s not the thought of loud cheering or the promise of KFC that’s propelling Jules forward. It’s the stories he hears at work every day that’s made him want to lace up his trainers and raise money for Weldmar. While his role isn’t patient-facing, he spends his time talking to the families and loved ones of patients who spent their last days under Weldmar’s care, listening to stories of strength and resilience.

“I see how people cope with their bereavement by going above and beyond, raising money in memory or taking on massive challenges,” Jules says. “I’ve spoken to so many people who turn their grief into support for Weldmar. That’s what stays with me.”

“I also remember a fairly young patient being cared for in Marion’s Room in the hospice surrounded by his family, and the importance of people being able to access that level of care, for free, during the hardest of days is another reason I want to take on a fundraising challenge myself.”

Go for it!

Jules’s made the decision to run after last year’s race, where he helped man the Weldmar cheer station. Seeing the sea of runners gave him the push he needed to sign up and hold himself accountable by telling colleagues and launching his JustGiving page immediately.

“When I’m finding it difficult to get motivated on those cold nights, remembering it’s for a great cause certainly helps me get off the sofa and just get my training done! That’s my advice for anyone who is thinking of taking on a fundraising challenge – just go for it!”

Already have a space for the Weymouth Half Marathon?

The event is now fully booked for 2026, but it’s not too late to run for Weldmar if you’ve already registered.

If you were lucky enough to secure a spot before registration closed, why not make your miles matter even more? You too, can turn your personal challenge into vital end of life care for our patients and support for their loved ones.

Just £250 can fund an average of 18 days’ care for a patient being cared for by our Specialist Hospice at Home team. And if you hit that £250 fundraising target, you’ll become eligible for us to refund your Half Marathon registration fee as a thank you.

Join Jules on #TeamWeldmar! We’ll supply you with a Weldmar running vest, an at home collection box, a sponsor form, and fundraising support from the whole team every step of the way.

Create your JustGiving page, or contact our Fundraising Team to get started.