A PINT of Ireland’s finest tipple was well appreciated by a Helston funeral director following his marathon achievement in Dublin on Sunday.

Jamie Richards, from Pendles Funeral Services in Helston, took part in the Dublin Marathon on Sunday, October 29 to raise funds to support Marie Curie nurses in the South West.

Jamie completed the marathon – which was his fifth marathon in total – in three hours and 43 minutes.

Now back in Helston following his incredible marathon run, Jamie has reflected on his time in Dublin and future marathon plans. He said: “Dublin is a beautiful place, and the people are so friendly.”

After completing the marathon, Jamie treated himself to a nice pint of Ireland's favourite tipple – Guinness.

Falmouth Packet: Pendles funeral director, Jamie Richards ran the marathon for Marie Curie Pendles funeral director, Jamie Richards ran the marathon for Marie Curie (Image: Jamie Richards/JustGiving)In 2024, Jamie will take part in the London Marathon on April 21. He said: “I will be raising money for Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust Charities; I want to keep local.”

Before the race, Jamie had set up a JustGiving fundraiser which has now reached a total of £1,020 with donations still welcome. You can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jamie-richards1987.

However, before the recent marathon, it had been four years since Jamie had had an opportunity to sign up for another marathon. Jamie explained why he decided to get involved this time.

He said: “Owing to lockdown, my attempt ended in disappointment just weeks away from doing the Edinburgh Marathon, with all my training complete, so this is going to be very special.”

Jamie chose to raise money for Marie Curie nurses in the South West, a charity which provides palliative care to terminally ill people. Jamie added: “I am representing Marie Curie, which is an amazing charity providing palliative care to terminally ill patients. This is a cause worth supporting.  

“I have spoken to many families who have experienced their care in the most challenging of situations and this has been a real source of comfort for them.

“I have also met with a Marie Curie nurse to discuss first-hand their work – what an inspiring person making a huge difference to our local community.

Margaret Riley, chair of the Marie Curie Helston & The Lizard Fundraising Group, said: “We are really grateful to Jamie for supporting us to help ensure that we can continue to support even more people who wish to spend their final days in their own homes, amongst their loved ones.”

Donations can be made online via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jamie-richards1987