Fit Forces fundraiser, Teresa Hodgson, set to run marathon to raise vital funds, ahead of dedicated Doncaster Rovers remembrance fixture

It’s not every day someone approaches you, asking to run a marathon off their own back, to raise funds for a programme, but that’s exactly what Teresa Hodgson has done.

The dust has only just settled on her quadruple challenge fundraiser back in July, but she’s raring to go again, with pushing herself even further to round off 2025 in style, with a marathon around the local area, to raise even more funds for the Fit Forces programme, hosted by Club Doncaster Foundation.

Doncaster Rovers’ home game v Barnsley on November 8th, will be this year’s dedicated Remembrance Day fixture and will see participants from the Fit Forces programme, get involved in the annual proceedings once again, including walking out alongside the players, laying a wreath on the pitch and taking their place around the centre circle for the moment of silence. 

The Saturday morning will see Teresa set off from the Eco-Power Stadium, on the 26.2 mile route around the local area, before looping back round and finishing off the marathon, back at the stadium ahead of kick off. 

It’s a challenge she jumped at the chance to do, tying in her love for running and fundraising, for a programme she holds close to her heart, on what is a fitting day, as the football community comes together to remember those who served within the armed forces and veterans across the wider communities. 

Speaking of the challenge and why she’s doing it, Teresa said: “I can’t think of a more meaningful time to challenge myself to run a full marathon in order to raise money for the Fit Forces programme. As we pause to remember those who serve and sacrifice, it feels especially poignant to remember, in honour of all those who’ve worn the uniform past and present.

“I’ve always been a firm believer in the power of exercise, not just for physical health but for mental wellbeing and connection.

“Fit Forces embodies that belief. It brings together serving personnel and veterans helping to bridge that difficult transition when people leave the armed forces. Too often that change can be isolation, disconnection and through fitness and community, Fit Forces helps find purpose, camaraderie and strength once again.

“So every mile run on the 8th of November, is for those who continue to serve, for those who are adjusting to life after service and in memory of those who we will honour on Remembrance Sunday.”

All the money raised from the challenge, will help support the self-funded project, which allows veterans to access the designated health and wellbeing provision for free on a weekend. 

It supports them in paying for free drinks and will also combine with other funding to ensure the continuation of offering free gym access for members of the group, which has had massive physical and mental wellbeing benefit for many members of the group since the start of the project back in June 2022.

Ben Howe, Health & wellbeing officer for the Foundation, heads up the programme, delivered every Saturday morning at Foundation Fitness and has seen first hand, how the programme supports individuals who attend week in week out.

“It’s a fantastic group we have that come along every Saturday morning. I’ve seen the group grow in numbers and the friendships that have been created over time. The weekly sessions have become an integral part of individuals lives and having people like Teresa, fundraise to help support the group and continue to help us ensure the sessions are accessible for free, it’s just incredible.”

It’s clear to see from her efforts to continuously look for ways to help the Foundation and it’s programmes through fundraising events, why she was the winner of the CDF Fundraiser of the Year Award at the 2024 Heart of Doncaster Awards and why she is loved by so many people at the Foundation. 

“Teresa is one of the most selfless people I have ever met,” Ben went on to say. “She continues to push her body to its physical limits, purely in support of our Fit Forces provision. 

“Her life has revolved around the Armed Forces and her continuous efforts to give back to this community are inspirational. 

“She has single handedly helped to maintain the provision of this programme over the last 18-24 months with her tireless fundraising efforts. 

“We appreciate Teresa more than she will ever know, and will support in every way we can with her marathon effort!”

You’ll be able to keep up to date on the day as she takes on her marathon, by following the Foundation’s social media channels, across Facebook, X & Instagram.

You can donate to support her and the Foundation’s Fit Forces programme by clicking here: Donation Link.