Topaz Hird from Southend and her sister Chantal Jelley will join thousands of runners at the Southend Half Marathon, sponsored by Ipeco, on Sunday 14th June 2026 – a milestone event celebrating its 30th anniversary this year – to raise vital funds for Havens Hospices, the charity that cared for their mother in her final days.

Their mum Zara – known affectionately as ‘Zed’ by her many friends – was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer on 1st April 2025, following an A&E visit for what the family initially believed was a blood clot. Despite her determination to fight the illness, the cancer had progressed very quickly. Just 18 days after her diagnosis, she passed away on 18th April 2025, surrounded by her daughters.

She left behind three daughters, three sons-in-law, eight grandchildren, her cat Monty, two sisters, and a wide circle of family and friends.

In her final days, she was cared for by the team at Fair Havens, Havens Hospices’ adult hospice in Prittlewell. Her family have described the compassion and dignity shown by the hospice team as a source of immense comfort during an unimaginably difficult time.

One of the most treasured memories from those final days came the afternoon the family took her outside into the hospice garden. The sun was shining – fitting for a woman her family describe as a devoted sun-worshipper. They sat together, listened to her favourite songs, and shared a glass of wine.

Topaz shared, “In her final days, the incredible team at Havens Hospices showed Mum such compassion, dignity, and kindness. They supported us as a family during the most difficult moments of our lives while we said goodbye. The day before she passed, we took her outside into the garden – the sun was shining, which was so very ‘her’. We sat in the sunshine, listened to all her favourite songs, and had a glass of wine. It was a bittersweet moment during such a horrific time, but one we will treasure forever.”

Havens Hospices has continued to support the family through its free bereavement therapy service. It is this ongoing care – both for their mum during her illness and for the family since – that has inspired the sisters to take on the half-marathon challenge.

By their own admission, neither sister is a seasoned runner – they describe a 5K as “a mental slog.” But in the spirit of the resilience, strength, and bravery their mum instilled in them throughout their lives, they are determined to complete the 13.1 mile course.

Topaz continued, “If Mum knew we were doing this – which we hope somewhere, somehow, she does – she’d say we were bonkers. Everyone else seems to be out running half marathons for fun at the weekends, and we find a 5K a mental slog. But Mum taught us, not just at the end but through our whole lives, how to be strong, resilient, and brave. This one’s for her.”

The Southend Half Marathon, which follows the scenic Thames Estuary coastline from East Beach, Shoeburyness, has raised an extraordinary £1.8 million for Havens Hospices over the past three decades. This year’s event is expected to attract over 3,000 runners from across the South East and beyond.

Havens Hospices – which includes Fair Havens for adults and Little Havens for children and young people – must raise more than £208,000 every week to continue providing its free specialist care to families across Essex.

Lucy Lock, Community Engagement Manager at Havens Hospices, said: “Reaching our 30th race is a momentous occasion that speaks to the incredible support we’ve received from our community over the years. The Southend Half Marathon has become so much more than a race – it’s a celebration of resilience, community spirit, and the difference we can make when we come together for a vital local cause. Stories like this one remind us every day why the work we do matters so deeply.”

Entry fees for the Southend Half Marathon start from £36. Runners can also select the ‘Havens Hero’ ticket option, which includes an additional £16 donation to cover half an hour of essential hospice care. After selling out for the past two consecutive years, organisers are urging those wishing to take part to register early.

To support Topaz and Chantal’s fundraising, visit www.justgiving.com/page/topaz-garrard-3

To sign up for the Southend Half Marathon, visit: www.havenshospices.org.uk/southendhalf

Published 20th April 2026