Celebrating Our London Marathon Heroes of 2026

On Sunday 26 April, an incredible 24 supporters took on the challenge of the London Marathon, running 26.2 miles to help raise vital funds for Saint Francis Hospice. Together, they have already raised an amazing £105,000, helping us continue to provide compassionate palliative and end of life care to people across our communities.

From the start line to the final push on The Mall, our runners were supported every step of the way by family, friends, strangers lining the route and the Saint Francis Hospice cheer squad, who brought the energy at Mile 17 just when it was needed most.

Here our runners reflect on their experience

Ray and Sue Spong - “What a wonderful experience this has been with the SFH team and our wonderful fundraising team. Ray and I have had the most amazing experience with you all. Our race perhaps didn’t go to plan – who knew we both had backs that seized up at 20 miles! But we did it, we have the medals and we have met you all. Michelle and Charlotte, thank you. What a team.”

Vicky Miles-Gale - “A man tapped me on the shoulder somewhere in South London and told me his mother-in-law is in our hospice and receiving great care. He said, “Keep going, you’re doing this for an amazing charity.” That boosted me for about four miles. Running past the 18-mile marker, knowing I’d never run further than that in my life, was unknown territory – but with a huge grin on my face for every step after.”

Aimee Searle - “Seeing all of the team at Mile 17 gave me a real boost. My knee went at 19 miles and I was in so much pain, but everyone shouting my name kept me going and I carried on running.”

Paige Hammerton - “Seeing friends, family and SFH at Mile 17 helped so much. The love and support from people shouting your name gets you through, and running alongside Laura meant we pushed each other when times were tough.”

Andy Cannell - “The camaraderie of everyone in this group was incredible. The support all the way round had me welling up, and the ovation when I walked into the pub afterwards topped it off.”

Harry Barker - “On the last stretch through the City of London, the cheers from strangers kept me running. This group went from strangers to friends thanks to Charlotte and Michelle, making it a really memorable experience.”

Kerry Redman - “The support from total strangers on the last stretch got me through when I thought I couldn’t run anymore – and the Prosecco at the end helped too.”

Claire Sidebottom - “The kindness from the hospice team, spectators, volunteers and runners was overwhelming, and I felt close to my friend I was running in memory of throughout.”

Steven Petts - “The emotion at the start was incredible. Knowing my wife, daughter and the SFH team would be at Mile 17 kept me moving and stopped me from walking.”

Zach May - “The support from Michelle, Charlotte and the whole team was unmatched. Compared to other charities, the care and encouragement from SFH was in a league of its own.”

Thanks from the Fundraising Team

Michelle Regan from the Fundraising Team said: “It was an incredibly hot day and tough for many of the team, but every one of our runners earned their marathon medal and joined the 1% club. It was a day full of love, laughter, tears, commitment and hard work. We are so proud, and we have raised £102,500 so far and counting.

“A very special thanks to Andy Preston and Sophie Vowden for their commitment and dedication to supporting our runners on their journey for so many years now, along with our awesome volunteers who gave up their time to be part of our cheer squad at Mile 17.

“TeamSFH is made up of the best people and it is always a privilege to be part of it.”

Feeling inspired Apply for one of our Gold Bond places to run for TeamSFH in 2027 - Saint Francis Hospice - Apply for the London Marathon 2027

Or you have until 1^st May to enter the London Marathon ballot and if you are one of the lucky ones to get a place, you can choose to run for us - Enter the ballot | London Marathon Events