A team of eight keen supporters are limbering up to take part in the Virgin London Marathon 2015 to raise funds for St Elizabeth Hospice.
Sunday 26th April will see the 35th London Marathon take place, with over 35,000 people expected to run the 26.2 mile route around the iconic landmarks of London.
Nick Jarrold, 35, is running the marathon in memory of his Mum, Gill Barnett, who was cared for by the Hospice. Nick said: “I am running because the Hospice cared for my Mum – she had used the Hospice at Home service and was on the Inpatient Unit. I have done a few events in aid of the Hospice including three triathlons last year, and I’ve done cycle events and a sky-dive before as well.” Nick received one of St Elizabeth Hospice’s Gold Bond Places, and is planning to hold various events to raise sponsorship money.
Simon Carpenter, 35, who works with the Police cadets, received a ballot place for the marathon. Simon said: “You see the London Marathon on TV every year and I always thought I want to do it before I die. I got a ballot place, and I chose the Hospice because it’s a local charity, and my Grandfather was cared for there so I had heard about all the good work the Hospice does.”
Stephen Munnings, 33, also received a ballot place and is running for the Hospice in memory of his Father, John. Stephen said: “The team at St Elizabeth Hospice did a fantastic job caring for my Dad whilst the family made preparations to get him home”.
Michelle Buckley, 32, is running for the Hospice in a Gold Bond Place, and has raised over £1,400 so far. Michelle said: “This is my second marathon; I ran the Brighton one before. Although I have no personal connection to the Hospice, I know people who do, and I only live a few minutes’ walk away.”
Vikki Shaw, 26, from Falkenham, secured a ballot place and is running in memory of her partner’s Grandmother. Vikki explained: “The Hospice really helped my partner’s Grandma, allowing her to stay at home and be comfortable in her last few weeks. I wanted to give something back that meant something.”
Also running on a ballot place for the Hospice is Sam Richardson, 26, from Ipswich, who has fundraised for the Hospice for the past six years, and has had friends and family members use the Hospice services. Sam said: “This will be my 10th marathon in about five or six years. I love endurance events!”
Also joining the runners is Claire Titmarsh, 31, who is running in memory of both her parents who were cared for by the Hospice, and has already raised over £2,500 in sponsorship, and Scott Marsh, 38, from Ipswich who also decided to run in support of St Elizabeth Hospice.
Last year nine supporters ran the London Marathon in aid of the Hospice, raising over £21,000.