Published on: Friday 23 Jan 2026 at 10:03
Claire Bodiam (52), mother of three from Ongar, who has already raised an incredible £20,000 for St Clare Hospice, is preparing to take on her most ambitious year of challenges yet in 2026 – a journey that first began in 2017 after her dad was cared for by the hospice.
Reflecting on that time, Claire said, “My fundraising journey for St Clare’s began after my dad was cared for by the hospice in 2017, before he passed away. I’ll always be grateful for the amazing support they gave to him and our family. Since then, St Clare’s has held a special place in my heart.”
What began as small acts of support quickly grew into a series of challenges with her son getting involved too. Claire explained, “Over the past five years, I’ve taken on a few different challenges, and my son Hector (14) did a 1km-a-day lockdown running challenge in 2021. We had a treadmill at home, so we thought it would be a great challenge for Hector, and he managed to raise a total of £3,638!”
Claire continued, “Running the London Marathon in 2023 for my 50th birthday was my most memorable challenge. I was so grateful to run it for St Clare’s in memory of my dad, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. Afterwards I did say I’d never run another marathon but that didn’t last! Since then, I’ve completed the Brighton Marathon, and now I’m signed up for an ultramarathon over the South Downs in May.”
Claire’s motivation deepened further following the death of her son’s girlfriend’s mum, Tara, who was also cared for by St Clare’s before she died in late 2024. “For the past few years, I’ve dedicated my fundraising challenges to my dad… but Tara was only 52 – the same age I am now – which really brought home how precious life is and made me want to push myself even more to raise money in both their memories.”
After finishing the Brighton Marathon, Claire was approached by the hospice about trying something new. “They mentioned the Sahara Desert Charity Trek taking place in October 2026, and I said yes straight away!” she said. “I was already aiming for a £25,000 lifetime fundraising milestone and decided to add a 50km off-road ultramarathon to help me reach the £6,600 target for 2026.”
She added, “I’m doing the Sahara Trek with my friend Debbie, who I met 30 years ago in Australia. We’ll be trekking all day, covered in sand, and sleeping in the desert on roll mats. There won’t be any showers or proper toilets, but I think that’s all part of the challenge!”
Training is already underway. “I’ve done a few runs already, as well as keeping fit with spin classes and some weight training,” Claire said. “My focused running training will begin in January. I’ve already raised over £1,000, thanks to my generous friends, family and colleagues. £25,000 is a big target, but I’m determined to give it my best shot.”
Claire’s advice to others thinking about fundraising is simple: “Start small and don’t be afraid to ask for support – you’ll be surprised how generous others can be. Fundraising is so rewarding, and I’m motivated by the memory of my dad and Tara knowing every pound helps other families like mine.”
You can support Claire in her upcoming challenges by donating and leaving a message of encouragement on her JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/claire-bodiam-7
Feeling inspired to take on your own challenge for St Clare?
Contact Sarah Piercy (Challenge Events Relationship Fundraiser) via –
Email – sarah.piercy@stclarehospice.org.uk
Phone – 01279 773750