Fundraising for charity can take many forms – for example, running a 5K, doing 100 skips or abseiling down a local landmark building.

However, when Sheldon Bosley Knight’s lettings manager Claire Paginton decided to raise money for Myton Hospice, she wanted to do something a bit different.

She didn’t have to look too far as the charity, which supports those living with a terminal illness and their families, was looking for people to take on a 5K course on a giant inflatable.

The event – The World’s Largest Inflatable 5K to help raise £30,000 for The Myton Hospices – takes place on July 26 in Coventry and Claire will be joined by one of her friends.

The pair inspired each other following the loss of friends dear to them.

In Claire’s case it was her former boss and mentor Matthew, who had been looked after by the team at Myton Hospice, particularly in his final days following his cancer diagnosis.

Claire said: “Matthew had a wicked sense of humour and would definitely find this absolutely hilarious! I also think if you’re going to do something you have to have an element of fun and take some of the seriousness out of it.

“Matthew was an amazing guy. I’d worked for him for over 12 years on and off, running festivals and bars in Leamington with him and although he was my boss he was like a second father and a great mentor.

“He had primary cancer of the kidney and secondary lung cancer and passed away aged just 45 which was utterly devastating. However his final days were in Myton Hospice, a place where he received outstanding care and so I really wanted to give back and do something to help them raise much-needed funds.

“I went on the website, saw a video for the event and thought it just looked brilliant so I signed up.

“The course is 2.5K so you have to go round it twice and it should be a lot of fun. There is no real training involved although I have been going to the gym regularly this year!”

Claire is well on her way to raising her £1,000 target which will go towards the £12.7 million needed this year for the charity to continue providing its services free of charge to patients and their families.

She said: “One in two of us will get cancer at some point in our lives. For most, it is now a treatable, and in many cases, a survivable disease if caught early enough, thanks to pioneering research, treatment options and crucially fundraising by millions of people every year.”

Please visit Claire’s fundraising page here to make a donation.

Visit www.mytonhospice.org for more information on services provided or to make a donation.