Wirral gran prepares for final race of Chester Triple in memory of granddaughter

A Wirral grandmother is preparing to complete a marathon challenge in memory of her granddaughter and raise funds for the hospice that supported her family.

Annette Jones, 57, from Birkenhead, will take on the Chester Metric Marathon this Sunday [October 5, 2025], marking the final event in the Chester Triple Series – a trio of races including the Chester 10K in March and the Chester Half Marathon in May.

She is running in memory of her baby granddaughter, Hope, who died aged 10 days old. And is raising funds for Claire House Children’s Hospice, which supported her family during an unimaginably difficult time.

Claire House supports seriously and terminally ill babies, children and young adults, and their families, and has a full, 24/7 hospice in Bebington.

Annette said: “Claire House helped us through the worst thing a family can go through, and I wanted to give something back to the hospice, which is truly amazing.

“When Hope passed away it was obviously an extremely difficult time for my youngest daughter, Jess, my son-in-law, Owen, and all our family.

“After losing Hope, Claire House was a tremendous support for Jess, Owen and their girls, offering them support through therapy, complimentary massages and sibling events for Keeley, who’s now six, and Myla, four.

Jess and Owen Green’s baby Hope was born in August 2023 at 30 weeks, with various complications, and died 10 days later.

The charity provided the couple, now both 32, with special keepsakes, like hand and footprint charms.

Annette said: “This was something so precious and that I didn’t know Claire House did. I think many people know about the work Claire House does for seriously ill children, but I don’t feel as many people know about how much after care they offer to people who lose a child.”

Annette, an operations assistant for United Utilities, took up her running challenge after watching her son-in-law complete the full Chester Marathon in 2024.

Inspired, she signed up for the Chester Triple and began training three times a week, despite describing herself as "not a natural runner".

With just days to go until the Chester Metric Marathon, a 26.2km race that follows part of the full marathon route, Annette is raising vital funds.

“A full marathon is beyond me,” admitted Annette, who is originally from Ellesmere Port and did the Tunnel 10K with Owen last year. “But seeing Owen’s commitment and pride at what he’d done inspired me to do something too.

“I decided to do the 2025 Chester Triple, because Claire House is the official charity, and so I’d get one medal from each race, and a fourth for doing all three.

“It’s the hardest thing I have ever done, but the support Claire House gave Jess and Owen was incredible. If I can raise funds and awareness to help people in their darkest times, then it’s the best thing I can do.”

To support Annette, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/annette-jones-1735808710805?msockid=2b7f4d8e39006924338c5b90387a6822