Well done Hospice marathon runners!

Runners from team St Elizabeth Hospice did themselves proud and raised throusands of pounds for the local charity.

Senior community fundraiser Rachael Mittell, who went down to London to cheer team St Elizabeth Hospice on, said: “It was an amazing day and all of the Hospice runners have done so well. It was brilliant to cheer them on with the rest of the Hospice supporters from our spot near mile 17. On behalf of the Hospice I would like to say a huge thank you for all the money they have raised to help us provide services for our patients, families and carers.”

If you are interested in running the 2012 Virgin London marathon, the online ballot opens on 26th April. Be sure to get in quick as last year all ballot spaces were taken within 24 hours http://www.virginlondonmarathon.com/

The Hospice was allocated five gold bond places this year and two gold bond places were carried over from last year.
Each gold bond runner will have to raise £2,000 generating sponsorship or organising events to achieve this amount.
Our gold bond runners are:

Kelly Pritchard
, 36, of Kesgrave. Time: 6:04:25
“My friend of 18 years Natasha McDonagh (Tash) passed away peacefully and with dignity at St Elizabeth Hospice in 2010, after a six year struggle against brain tumours. She was only 34 years of age. The care and attention administered by the Hospice staff and the services provided for her and her family were outstanding. The Hospice is a place of life and hope, not of death and despair. Watching a loved one fade away before your eyes is distressing and I welcome the opportunity to make sure others benefit from the Hospice. The Hospice is a sweet sugar coating on a very bitter pill.”


Guy Fisher
, 53,of Kesgrave. Time: 6:37:39
“My brother in law Barry Austin was treated at St Elizabeth Hospice and passed away there in 2009. By running the London Marathon and raising money for the Hospice I would be helping to show my appreciation for the superb care and treatment he received.”

Christine Nugent, 59, of Gosbeck. Time 6:13:20
“Over the years several good friends have suffered terminal illnesses and I have seen how the Hospice has played a significant part in giving them a quality of life as well as support for their families and friends. I would like to help raise funds to contribute to this amazing facility.”

Kevin Morrison, 35, of Ipswich. Time 4:32:09
“I take great pride in doing different things for charity and since my granddad Patrick Read lost his battle with cancer I appreciated the value of St Elizabeth Hospice and the funds needed to keep it running.”


Carl Osborne
, 30, of Ipswich. Time 3:55:27
“My mother-in-law Pamela Cross died of cancer and was cared for by the Hospice. Many friends of the family have also been cared for by the Hospice, as was my father-in-law Peter Cross who I never had a chance to meet. I was amazed by the outstanding level of care and support provided. I will be running on behalf of my family to show our appreciation and to ensure others benefit from the outstanding care.”


Simon Dawson
, 34, of Ipswich, was injured last year so carries his place over. Time: 4:30:15
“My sister Carla Dawson was cared for by the Hospice for a long time in 2003 before she passed away at the tender age of 19. She initially had concerns about going to a hospice but when she arrived she was immediately made comfortable and welcome. Our family contribute to a tribute fund in her name. This would be my opportunity to contribute to the fund myself and it is nice to know the money raised makes a difference locally.”

We are also lucky to have people who were allocated a ballot place who have chosen to raise sponsorship for St Elizabeth Hospice:

Andy King, 42, of Ipswich, will be running his second London Marathon.
“I wanted to support a local charity and was aware of St Elizabeth Hospice’s services as my mum passed away, but before she could benefit from them.” Time 4:48:47


Alasdair McAndrew
will also be running and raising money for the Hospice in memory of his granddad who passed away last year. Time: 5:12:17

Jim Nicholls will be running in memory of a good friend who was cared for by the Hospice last year. Jim said “I was amazed at the care, support and overall atmosphere of the Hospice. I made a promise to run the marathon to raise money for this great charity. This will be my third marathon however I always use the term run loosely! Just to make it more difficult I will be in fancy dress as a Rubiks cube!”. Time: 6:08:55

In addition three people have gained places through their running clubs and will raise sponsorship for St Elizabeth Hospice.

Mark Vince, 38, of Woodbridge, is a member of Woodbridge Shufflers, and is also running in memory of Natasha McDonagh. It will be his second London marathon. Time: 3:51:53.
“All of us who loved Natasha were completely overwhelmed by the compassion and dedication shown by everyone at the Hospice.”

Adelle Collyer, 23, of London. Time 4:29:42
‘In the summer months of 2010 I spent time at St Elizabeth Hospice visiting my granddad who was battling Myeloma, a cancer of the bone. I found it to be a really peaceful place and it was reassuring to know granddad was receiving the best possible care. The staff and volunteers were exceptionally kind and understanding.  I was touched by the service St Elizabeth Hospice provides. I hope to raise money through running the marathon so that other families can continue to experience the care granddad was so fortunate to receive.’

Samantha Linassi, 33, of Felixstowe, is a member of Felixstowe Road Runners. Time 4:21:39
“The Hospice is an extremely worthwhile cause. It provides a home from home and fantastic support for families.”

If you want to run for St Elizabeth Hospice next year please email fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk or call 01473 723600.



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