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Fundraisers go the distance for hospice at 2010 London Marathon

27 April 2010

A team of 44 runners went the distance to raise money for Saint Francis Hospice by taking to the streets of London to complete the 2010 Marathon.

The first hospice runner past the finish line was Mark Read, one of the Brentwood-based Thrift Green Trotter running club members. He completed the 26.2 mile course in just over 2hrs 55mins.

Some of the hospice runners ran in memory of loved ones who had benefited from hospice care and among them was Marie Stone, pictured, who completed her sixth marathon. Marie ran in memory of her mum Barbara West, who attended the day hospice and spent her final days as an inpatient before she sadly died from cancer in 2002.

Marie said: “It was a wonderful experience and I’m pleased to continue my support for Saint Francis Hospice as the medical team made my mum’s final days comfortable.”

Val Furbank completed her 22nd marathon for the hospice and was joined by Paul Freedman MBE. The pair finished in 5hrs38 and 6hrs43, respectively.

It was the second time out for Antony Leckerman, who finished in a personal best time of just over 4hrs15min. Antony, said: “I had a fantastic day and saw the hospice stand at 23 miles, which was a great motivation to help with the final three miles. The hospice cared for my mum and although she was only on the ward for four days the medical team and volunteers made sure she was free from pain and supported my family, which meant so much.”

Pub manager Craig Wiltshire ran in memory of his mum Christine, who benefited from hospice care. It was his fourth marathon, the third for Saint Francis Hospice and he completed it just ahead of his target in 4hrs59mins.

Sue Spong, a hospice bereavement counsellor, said: “I found the marathon a wonderful experience, it was quite hard from 20 miles, but I managed a good time of 3hr32 and loved seeing the hospice team who were cheering at 23 miles, it really gave me a lift.

“I thought about all the patients, carers and families who we care for in the family support service and am in training now for next year.”

Hairdresser Kevan Hewitt and his father-in-law John O’Dwyer completed the run in 3hrs34 and 3hrs32, respectively and are on target to raise £12,000, which has been boosted by support from Lakota in Romford, which held a collection. John, said: “My first marathon was tougher than I thought it was going to be, but I enjoyed it and the atmosphere was fantastic.”

Another first time runner Lucy Cotter, who followed in her older sister Louise’s footsteps to complete the marathon in just over 5hrs29mins. Lucy said: “I’m so pleased to have conquered the London Marathon. The day was so emotional and the atmosphere along the whole route was brilliant. Saint Francis Hospice cared for my granddad some 20 years ago and the level of care given to him and my family throughout was second to none."

Frances Chuter, Hospice fundraiser, said: “We would like to congratulate everyone who ran the marathon on our behalf, we really appreciated your commitment and hard work in training and fundraising. It was great to see so many of our runners at the 23-mile mark and we could tell from the smiles and waves that we helped lift the runners through the final difficult stages.”

If you are inspired to take on a running challenge please see our events page for details of all fundraising events.
 

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