Horizon Construction Group is a long-standing supporter of the hospice and is sponsoring Team St Helena at the London Marathon. One of its employees, 29 year old Sam Griffin from Mistley, will be running at the event. Sam said:

“The reason I am running for St Helena Hospice is because over the last five years I have lost my grandparents to cancer, and I saw firsthand the brilliant work St Helena and other hospices do with end of life care. 

“The support they offered us and other families in navigating this horrible time is something I know myself, and my family will always be grateful. By running the marathon in aid of St Helena I hope to give back to an incredible organisation, to say thank you and to honour the memory of my grandparents.”

It’s a first marathon for Mel Westow, 43 from Frinton-on-Sea, who will be running in memory of her much loved friend, Anne Jennings, who died in 2023 after living with ovarian cancer. Mel said:

“Anne, along with her husband and their family, were supported in their home by St Helena Hospice. 

“Anne was one of the bravest and most inspirational women I have ever known. It is an honour to be running in celebration of her and to be raising vital funds for the hospice who gave her and the family so much support during the most difficult of times.

“I’ve wanted to run the London Marathon for far longer than I’ve actually been running. I watch it every year on TV and am just so excited about the whole day. I can’t wait to challenge myself and prove that I can do this, to soak up the atmosphere and raise much needed funds for such a worthy charity.”

Also looking forward to the iconic event is Tom Burman, 35 from Chelmsford, who is running in memory of his uncle David Hudson. Tom said:

“I’m running my first ever marathon in support of St Helena Hospice, who cared for my Uncle Dave last year. Uncle Dave was a clever, caring, brilliant man and I'm running in his memory.

“St Helena Hospice do incredible work for the people they care for and families too. I really hope every penny I raise helps them continue their super work.”

21 year old Suranna Tuckwell from Elmstead Market, although new to running, jumped at the chance to apply for a Golden Bond place to run in memory of her mum, Elaine Tuckwell, who died at the hospice in 2023 aged 48.

“I will be running the London marathon in memory of my beautiful mum.

“St Helena Hospice looked after my mum on her last couple of days. The staff were amazing and so friendly. They made sure my mum was always comfortable and looked after. The staff also made myself, my dad and my sister feel looked after and always checked in on us. 

“I can't express how much myself and my family appreciate the care they gave my mum. I will be raising money for the hospice so they can continue to provide amazing care for other people just like they did for my mum.

“We couldn’t have asked for anywhere better to look after her.”

Looking forward to crossing the finish line is 31 year old novice runner Claudia Diplock from Clacton-on-Sea, who has only been running since the end of November 2024 when she found out she had been given a spot on the team. Claudia said:

“I have had to start from scratch. I started with Couch to 5k and then started my marathon beginners training plan in January! 

“I am running in memory of my best friend, Sarah. She loved running and I know she would have loved to have done the London Marathon! I know she will be with me on the day helping me get across that finish line. 

“The care that Sarah and her family received from the hospice was outstanding. During Sarah’s last few weeks they went out of their way to give Sarah the best possible care at home so she could be where she loved to be. 

“And then at the hospice in Colchester, Sarah was looked after by a wonderful team who supported her and her family in her last days of life. 

“The hospice has also provided ongoing support for Sarah’s family which has been invaluable!”