AN avid runner will lace up her trainers to give care home residents a boost during lockdown.

Fay Sibley, 33, had been due to take on the Jurassic Coast marathon later this month.

But after the event was postponed due to Covid-19 she decided to use her training to help the community.

Fay, who works for the NHS’ Academic Health Science Network, will complete a marathon distance while spreading a bit of joy to residents and staff at care homes.

She will visit nine care homes on her route, dropping off an Amazon Dot Echo, a smart voice speaker, at each location.

The devices have been donated by the Cares Family, a project which helps older people stay connected.

Fay, of Westlands, Colchester, said: “This is a particularly challenging time for care home residents, their families and the staff who look after them.

“They are also facing significant workforce challenges with many care staff off sick, self-isolating due to Covid-19, or unable to come to work due to fear and anxiety for their own safety.

“On top of this care homes are unable to allow visitors in to the home for fear of outbreaks and this means residents are unable see their families and loved ones.

“My grandad spent the end of his life in at Loganberry Lodge, and my family were lucky enough to be able to go and see him and spend valuable time with him, right up until the moments where he passed away.

“It is unimaginable to me to have not been able to see or speak to him. I wanted to find a way to help residents connect with their families.”

Fay will finish her marathon at Loganberry Lodge in Stanway.

“I never really got to say thank you to the staff who showed him and my family untold kindness and I hope in doing this I can show them just want they meant to my family,” she said.

“Although, I have run a marathon before I have never taken on this challenge without the support of a crowd.

“I would love for people to come out along the route and support me while keeping socially distant of course. Cheers and smiles are what get you through.”

Fay will set off from her home at 9am on Saturday, May 16 and finish at Loganberry Lodge at 1.30pm. To donate visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/FaySibley.