How could we not jump at the chance to run the Venice Marathon on the 24th October - to commemorate our dear friend Hattie Bennett (Parry Williams), in her birthday month of October and to raise money for a charity very dear to her heart?

Not letting a lack of running prowess, training or any kind of sensible decision making get in our way, a few of us are running to raise money for Art History Link Up. Donations in Hattie’s name have already helped a number of young people who love Art History, just as Hattie did, and we want to continue her legacy.

Our darling Hattie died from breast cancer 2 and a half years ago. Instead of flowers, she asked that donations be made to Art History Link up. This enabled a number of young people to study Art History A Level, who would otherwise not been able to.

Running Venice was inspired by Albie, Hattie’s son, who reasonably pointed out that the Abingdon marathon was not all that exciting. When we discovered that there was a Venice Marathon (sounds unlikely; it’s a real thing) it seemed perfect - admittedly seeming slightly less perfect as the 24th October looms.

Fingers crossed our feet cross the finish line - we are running various distances, with some of us running the full marathon. In the meantime please sponsor us to commemorate Hattie, remember those loved ones who can no longer run with us , and to continue Hattie’s legacy helping young art historians.

Thank you for anything you can give.

Helen, Albie, Sarah, Clare, Ju and Jerome.

https://www.arthistorylinkup.org