St Luke’s medical director takes on ultra marathon to support Sheffield’s hospice in its 55th year

Dr Sam Kyeremateng, Medical Director and Clinical Lead for Programme Development at St Luke’s is taking on an extraordinary year of running challenges – including an ultra marathon – to raise funds for the charity during its 55th anniversary year.

placeholder image — St Luke’s Medical Director takes on Ultra Marathon to support Sheffield’s hospice in its 55th year | St Luke's Hospice

Sam’s challenge will begin in early June by running the Kendal to Lakeside 50km Ultra Marathon in the Lake District on Saturday, June 6 2026.

The ultra marathon marks the start of a year-long fundraising commitment that will also see Sam complete The Round Sheffield Run, The Sheffield 10k, The Yorkshire Marathon, and the much-loved Percy Pud 10k.

By the end of the year, Sam will have covered more than 130km across multiple endurance events.

Originally, Sam had planned to work steadily towards his first marathon at the Yorkshire Marathon in October. But encouragement from a neighbour – an experienced endurance runner – gradually shifted the goalposts.

Training together around Sheffield and the Peak District, Sam found himself increasing his distance week by week, running through some of the city’s most beautiful landscapes.

What began as a long‑term ambition soon became something much bigger. Encouraged both on the training routes and at home, Sam made the leap from marathon plans to signing up for a 50km ultra marathon, and has already completed two full marathons during training.

Sam said: “After completing the Sheffield Half Marathon earlier this year, I wanted to do something more to support St Luke’s – particularly during our 55th year. I’m inspired every day by our patients and their families, my colleagues at the hospice, and by the support of friends and family who’ve encouraged me to take this on.”

Sam, who has worked at St Luke’s since 2005, trains around Sheffield and the Peak District, often running with a small group of neighbours – and sometimes with his dog Toki, a Hungarian Vizsla who has already built up to running 28km alongside him.

“I never really thought of myself as an endurance runner,” Sam added. “But training regularly, gradually increasing distance, and running in such beautiful surroundings has made this feel possible – even the ultra.”

“I spend a lot of time telling my kids that if you work hard and commit to something, you can do more than you think you’re capable of,” Sam said. “When they turned that back on me and asked why I wasn’t doing the ultra, I realised I had to practise what I preach.”

St Luke’s Hospice cares for anyone affected by a terminal illness across Sheffield, at any stage of their journey, and supports those important to them too. Most patients are cared for in their own homes, where they can receive symptom control, emotional support and, where appropriate, care at the end of life. Others receive specialist 24-hour care in the hospice’s In Patient Centre, alongside access to non-medical support through Social Prescribing services.

Despite this vital role, only 23% of St Luke’s running costs are covered by NHS funding, meaning the charity must raise over £11 million every year to continue delivering its services.

“Everything we do at St Luke’s is made possible by the generosity of Sheffield people,” said Sam. “St Luke’s is a special place, full of special people. Sheffield people are special too, and they deserve the very best care that can be made available to them."

“If my running can help raise funds and awareness so we can continue to be there for patients and families for the next 55 years, and beyond, then every mile is worth it.”

Sam has already surpassed his original fundraising target, having so far raised £1,010 of his £1,000 target. You can support Sam by visiting his JustGiving page at: www.justgiving.com/page/sam-kyeremateng-1