Haverigg Prison raises more than £300 through charity marathon

In a remarkable show of community spirit and endurance, inmates at Haverigg Prison have raised more than £300 for their local hospice through a unique charity marathon—run entirely within the prison grounds.

Aided by Shane Spencer, the prison’s Physical Education Officer, the event was inspired by the London Marathon and designed to coincide with it. The initiative began with 20 inmates signing up for training, and culminated in a full-length marathon consisting of 46.5 laps around the prison grounds.

Despite the challenging environment, nine, ranging from 25 to 76, completed the full marathon distance, finishing between 3:37 to 6:07 hours. Every penny of the £395.26 raised came directly from inmates’ own contributions, showcasing their generosity and commitment to supporting end-of-life care in their community.

The idea for the event originated from a inmate named Kevin, who wanted to give back and raise awareness about the importance of hospice care, particularly for ageing inamtes.

 One poignant reflection from the initiative captured the spirit of the effort:“He felt like a patient, not a prisoner. Older prisoners need to think about hospice care.”

Deputy Governor Jo Bailey praised the event as a “powerful example of rehabilitation, empathy, and the strength of human connection even behind prison walls.”

The prison hopes to make the marathon an annual event, reinforcing positive links between prisoners, physical health, and community responsibility.