“My name is Nathan and I am running the London Marathon in memory of one of my closest friends Tommy who was looked after by the Hospice in his final days.

Tom was just 40 years old when he died and the loss of losing such a close friend had a huge impact on me.

I have run a few half marathons before but never a full marathon. I am incredibly excited and completely daunted all at the same time.

The journey of training and getting ready for the marathon has been so rewarding. Racking up the miles in the heat of the summer has been a challenge but it has become a part of my weekly routine.

Now I am excited about my victory lap on Sunday and the incredible atmosphere in London.

I would encourage anyone to push themselves and consider a challenge event. No matter how old you are – it will make a huge difference to your and others around you.

I am extremely proud to be running for Tommy, his family and anyone who gets to benefit from the amazing work of the Hospice.”

“My name is Fiona and I am running the London Marathon in memory of my mum and dad. Both died after short battles with cancer during the pandemic. Each time St Wilfrid’s were our absolute angels, helping us manage an incredibly difficult time.

I have never run a marathon before. I’ve run half ones but the thought of 26.2 is pretty scary!

The main challenge has been to find the time to put in those practice hours, especially because we were training through this long hot summer. So I had to plan very carefully when and where to run to avoid too much sun! My favourite thing has been to run along the sea in Brighton and at the end of the distance I would run straight into the sea. That was the most amazing feeling and I am sure it has helped my stiff legs!

I am so excited about the race, it  has been an ambition of mine and to run it for my mum and dad is a real privilege. Of course, I am nervous. What if I dont make it round? What if I ‘hit the wall?’ 

I would say to someone who is thinking about running the marathon- JUST DO IT! The planning and the training are all part of the excitement and there are certainly times when you wonder why you are doing it but I know, when I am standing at the start its going to be truly amazing!”

” My name is Becky and I am running to support St Wilfrid’s Hospice in memory of my Mum and Dad.

We were first introduced to St Wilfrid’s Hospice after my mum’s terminal cancer diagnosis. St Wilfrid’s provided outstanding hospice at home care during the last week of my mother’s life but also gave amazing support to my family during this time.

Without St Wilfrid’s we would not have been able to fulfill my mum’s wishes of passing away at home surrounded by her family. One year later my dad received the devastating news that he also had terminal cancer. My dad was transferred to the hospice from St Richard’s hospital three months prior to his death but due to his complex medical needs we were unable to bring him home.

St Wilfrid’s became a home from home for all of us and dad was ever so comfortable there and again, the level of care was outstanding. I will never be able to thank the hospice enough for all they have done for my family.

Running the marathon to raise funds for them is the least I can do, a truly amazing place, and also to remember my dear mum and dad.”

Support Becky here: