A pie and mash shop work is planning to run her first marathon in support of a hospice which provided “outstanding” support to her boss’s family.

Sonia Frew, 37, of the Eel & Pie House in Leytonstone High Road, has a place in next year’s London Marathon and will raise funds for Saint Francis Hospice in Romford.

Ms Frew, who lives in Chelmsford, has worked at the restaurant with boss Pieter Hak and his three sons since she was 12.

Pieter’s wife Tracy was looked after by the hospice before she lost her battle with cancer in June.
“I saw how much he and his family and wife were helped by the hospice and I thought I’d like to raise the money for them,” Ms Frew said.

“She passed away from a rare form of cancer, a gastrointestinal stromal tumour, and I hope he thinks this is a nice thing to do.”

Ms Frew is aiming to raise £1,800, the minimum entry contribution for runners in the marathon, by hosting a dinner and dance on January 25.

However, she is not a keen runner and said training “hurts a lot”.

She is also on a strict diet, but says pie and mash is one thing she is not prepared to do without.

Visit www.justgiving.com/eatmorepies to donate and call 07772 005 667 for more information.