Brian Craig

I am running because of the care and compassion my wife Catherine received at the end of her life. 

During the most painful and overwhelming time our family has ever faced, the hospice was there for us, not just as professionals, but as kind, understanding people who truly cared. They helped Catherine feel comfortable, respected and at peace, and they supported me when I didn’t know how I would cope.

 The dignity, reassurance, and humanity they showed will stay with me forever. Every mile I run is for her, and every donation helps ensure that others can receive the same compassion and comfort when it matters most.

Candice Goddard

I am running in memory of my father Dennis Ong who passed away in St Helena Hospice in March last year. 

They were the only people who helped us in his last week of life. Both him and my family were looked after. They were fantastic. I wanted to run to raise as much as possible for them. Sadly, there are not enough beds for those that need them. 

The training has been much harder than I expected. I am very much looking forward to crossing that finish line. I have found a new love for running, and have many more events planned for this year.

Charley Jade Oxley

I am running in memory of a very special member of my family, Julie Lewarne. We sadly lost Julie in 2023 and she truly was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of so many people.

Taking on the London Marathon feels like a meaningful way to honour her, celebrate her life and carry her spirit with me every step of the way. St Helena Hospice holds a deeply personal place in my heart. The care, compassion and dignity they showed Julie and the support they gave to my family during such a difficult time is something I will never forget.  

I am incredibly proud to run for such a vital charity, helping to ensure they can continue to support individuals and families when they need it most.

Fliss Klarner

I’m running in memory of my dad. My dad was looked after by the hospice last year. He died in the IPU last May so it’s a thank you to the hospice for the incredible care we all received. 

This will be my first marathon; I have been running since 5th January! 

I am most looking forward to the atmosphere and just completing the London Marathon. 

Hannah Symonds

I'm running in memory of my beautiful nan, Mary. She passed away in St Helena Hospice when I was 7 years old and even though it’s been 26 years since she died, I think of her everyday, even more with my training runs, thanking her for making me do this, even in the horrible weather (many times I’ve asked her to stop raining)! 

I’ll never forget when going to visit Nan in the hospice, going with some of the team and making pottery and painting, allowing my mum to send time with her mum.

I’m an NHS nurse at Colchester hospital so I know how much we link in with the hospice to get our patients there and I know how they will receive the dignity and care they need. The hospice deserves every penny they get can, because their work is invaluable and they are honestly angels. 

Jen Carter

I will be running the Marathon in memory of my mum Vivien Perry who lost her battle with Frontal Lobe Dementia in June last year. With the help of the SinglePoint Nurses we were able to care for mum at home right up until the moment she past away. Without St Helena and all the other amazing carers we could not of done this. it meant so much to Dad and i that mum was able to be at home.  

The work that St Helena do is invauable. So many people are reliant on their help and support which is why so much money needs to be raised to keep the centre and nurses going. Without them people like my mum would have suffered and left to it. Unable to be cared for in the way they she so desperately need. They not only help and a care for those that medically need it but also the families around them. 

Joe Buckman

I’m running in memory of my Dad, John Buckman. In 2005 my Dad was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, which he fought bravely until he sadly passed away in March 2009, so I was only 11 years old. I didn’t understand as much then, but I understand now, and am truly grateful for the hospice and everything they did.

St Helena's support not only helped us cope at such a tragic time but vitally, offered us an environment to make some precious family memories.

Throughout all of this, and in his last days, St Helena even helped my parents get married, something my Dad always wanted, and knowing his contentment towards the end, well, it gave me so much solace. My family and i can never repay St Helena for all they did for us at such a devastating time.

Jonny Turner

At the start of 2025, my dad passed away. It wasn’t in the hospice but my mum, Di Turner, is a nurse at the hospice and the love and support for her from her colleagues was everything! It has definitely been a catalyst for me doing the marathon. 

My mum has been a nurse at the hospice longer than I have been alive! The hospice is a huge part of our family and running the London Marathon and fundraising is a great way for giving back.

I can remember visiting and collecting conkers when I was a little boy on the hospice grounds, and anything I can do to help the hospice caring for people and creating core memories like my conker picking, is great. 

Jordan Thomas

I am running in memory of my late partner, Holly. She had such a love for life and brought so much warmth and happiness to those around her. 

Running the London Marathon feels especially meaningful as it was something she always wanted to do herself. Taking on this challenge is my way of honouring her strength, her spirit, and the incredible person she was. Every mile I run will be for her, keeping her memory alive and carrying her with me throughout this journey.

Choosing to run for St Helena Hospice means a great deal to me, as it gives me the opportunity to give back to a charity that supported us during such a difficult time.

Julian Causer

I have chosen to run for St Helena, as they cared for my dad in 2020. 

They supported us whilst he was at home via the SinglePoint service, and also during his final days in the inpatient unit. The support and care they provided my family was amazing, and I will never be able to thank them enough.

The whole running adventure is new to me following me getting a place with St Helena last year. I'm most looking forward to finishing! In truth, I think the whole day will be an incredible experience, the London Marathon is a bucket list event made even more special by raising money for St Helena Hospice.

Karen Chumbley

I am running in memory of my lovely dad.

St Helena relies on charitable funding to provide care for people in our community at the end of life. I have worked at St Helena for over a decade and seen the great work that my colleagues do 24 hours a day. St Helena has also supported people in my family in their last year of life, for which I will always be grateful.

I love St Helena, the importance of the work and my fantastic colleagues. 

I want every local person at the end of life to receive compassionate and expert care.

Stewart Brown

I am running in memory of my mum Rosie Curtis. She was looked after by the hospice and he care she received from the hospice gave her such dignity in her final months. 

I can think of no better way to honour her memory than by raising money in her name.

I want to raise as much money as possible so that everyone can receive the same level of care and support that we did. Not only did they help my mum, the care and respite they provided for our family was amazing and really pulled us through the darkest times. 

To hear about the lack of funding in hospice care is heartbreaking, even if I can raise enough money for one person to receive respite care for a few days it will be more than worth it for everyone involved.