Last July, 20 year-old Beth Davies met the Queen at the official opening of the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB). Beth sadly lost her battle with cancer two months later and passed away with her family at her side.

On Sunday 26 May 2013, soldiers from the 21^st Signal Regiment (Air Support) will be running from QEHB in Edgbaston to Hereford to raise money for Beth’s Wish, the charity set up in Beth’s name.

Beth’s Wish has launched a fundraising appeal to raise vital funds for St Michael’s Hospice in Hereford where Beth died.

Following her diagnosis, Beth was cared for on the Young Persons Unit (YPU) at QEHB, a ward specially designed for 16-24 year olds. The ward has a shared lounge, kitchen and study rooms, plus the Eden ‘cinema’ Room, which provides the perfect space to relax, unwind and socialise.

Near the end of her life, Beth was transferred from the YPU to be nearer her family and friends in Hereford but at 20, she was too old for a children’s hospice so was transferred to St Michael’s Hospice. Although the care was exemplary, Beth felt too young for the adult environment and as the building is 28 years old, the facilities and décor are somewhat dated.

Beth’s Wish will raise £100,000 to fund a bedroom suitable for a young person, similar to the rooms on the YPU in Birmingham. The plan is for a spacious area which can be personalised with photos and posters, somewhere to dock an iPod and somewhere young people feel comfortable. Also on the wish list is a space for loved ones to be able to stay overnight, something which was achieved with difficulty for Beth in the current building.

Helen Davies, Beth’s mum, said: “For every penny you donate, we will be forever grateful for the opportunity to support the hospice and, in particular, any young person that finds themselves in Beth’s position in the future.

“Beth cared, we care and we are dedicated to make a start. In Beth’s name, we will achieve at least one room for a poorly young person at St Michael’s Hospice. Please help us achieve 'Beth's Wish.”

Soldiers from 21^st Signal Regiment (Air Support) will be cutting the ribbon outside the main entrance to QEHB at 09:00 on Sunday 26 May. They will then follow the canal tow path to Hereford, a run of around 56 miles.

To support Beth’s Wish, please visit the fundraising page (see link below).