Friends of Hospice is to benefit from a $3,000 donation thanks to a woman’s fundraising efforts in memory of her former partner.

Claire Harness ran in the three events of the Chubb Bermuda Half Marathon Triangle Challenge this month to commemorate Kevin Thornton, a longtime resident who died in 2021.

Mr Thornton was a printer at Island Press and had strong roots in the local community.

Friends remember him as a keen football player and avid Leeds United fan who watched games at Robin Hood Pub and Restaurant and Bermuda Bistro at the Beach.

He also liked to take in a round of golf with friends at Belmont Hills Golf Club.

Ms Harness, who lived in Bermuda before moving to Britain, travelled back to the island to run in the race series.

She said: “Kevin was a kind, funny and generous man who loved his family and friends unconditionally.

“I’ve been fortunate to catch up with a lot of them during this trip and we’ve enjoyed reminiscing about him.’

When Mr Thornton received a diagnosis of brain cancer in 2019, his care was overseen by Agape House for close to a year. He was flown to Britain where he died in 2021.

Ms Harness chose to donate to Friends of Hospice, a charity that raises funds for Agape House and hospice care in Bermuda, in recognition of the “invaluable care” Mr Thornton received.

She has asked that the funds go towards the building of the new Woodland Grove Care Centre — Bermuda’s first purpose-built care centre.

Ms Harness said: “We knew he was receiving the best medical care possible from the Agape House team and there was always someone for us to talk to about any concerns we were having, or to just have a chat with.

“Nothing was too much trouble.

“That allowed us to focus our energies on ‘being there’ for Kevin and spend quality time with him.

“We will always be grateful for that gift.”

Jennifer Mahoney, the executive director of Friends of Hospice, said: “We are very moved by this donation in honour of one of our former patients, Kevin Thornton, and by Claire’s tribute.

“Friends of Hospice sets out not only to provide the best care for our patients but also to empower their friends and family to create lasting, positive memories with their loved ones while they still can.

“This is a wonderful testament to that mission.”

The GoFundMe page titled Claire's Bermuda Triangle Half Marathon Challenge — Jan 2025 is still receiving donations for the charity.