Lancaster fish and chip shop owner Nigel Hodgson is preparing to complete his final half marathon of 2026, bringing to a close a year of running challenges in support of St John’s Hospice.

Nigel, who owns Hodgson’s Chippy in Lancaster, originally pledged to complete three half marathons throughout the year to raise money and awareness for the much-loved local charity.

Having already tackled half marathons in Manchester and Aintree, Nigel has also managed to squeeze in an additional challenge, the Pendle Witches 10K, organised by Lancaster Race Series, which he ran alongside his daughter-in-law, Sarah Hodgson.

He said: “Running the Pendle Witches 10K with Sarah was a really special part of the year. It’s always nice to share something like that with family, and knowing we were doing it for such a worthwhile cause made it even better.”

Nigel Hodgson outside Hodgsons Chippy in Lancaster. Nigel is bringing to a close a year of running challenges in support of St John’s Hospice.

placeholder image — Nigel Hodgson outside Hodgsons Chippy in Lancaster. Nigel is bringing to a close a year of running challenges in support of St John’s Hospice.

His final challenge takes place on Sunday, November 8, when he heads to Knutsford to complete his third half marathon of the year.

For Nigel, who has spent more than 40 years working in the fish and chip industry, fitting training and races around the demands of running a busy business hasn’t always been easy.

He said: “It’s certainly been harder than I expected at times. There have been days when the last thing I’ve felt like doing is putting my running shoes on, particularly after a long day at

work. But I made a commitment at the beginning of the year, and I was determined to see it through.

Nigel Hodgson is bringing to a close a year of running challenges in support of St John’s Hospice.

“Whilst completing all four runs has been a challenge, it’s also been a real privilege to support St John’s Hospice. The work they do for local people and their families is quite remarkable, and when you think about what some of those families are going through, running a few miles suddenly doesn’t seem quite so difficult.”

With his fundraising total now exceeding £5,500, Nigel has been overwhelmed by the generosity of those who have supported him throughout the year.

He said: “To have raised over £5,500 for St John’s Hospice is something I’m incredibly proud of. I know how much the hospice relies on fundraising and the generosity of local people, so it’s lovely to know that all those miles have helped make a difference.”

Nigel has previously helped raise more than £65,000 for charitable causes and hopes his latest efforts will make another meaningful contribution to the hospice.

He added: “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have so much support from family, friends, customers and people within the fish and chip industry. Every donation, message of encouragement and

kind word has genuinely helped keep me going.

“I might be the one crossing the finish line, but it’s the generosity of everyone supporting me that makes the real difference.”

With just 13.1 miles remaining, Nigel is looking forward to completing his final challenge and bringing his fundraising year to a fitting conclusion.

Anyone wishing to support Nigel’s fundraising for St John’s Hospice can donate at https://www.justgiving.com/page/nigel-hodgson-10