The Spong's love of running
Sue and Ray Spong have always been a great team, from juggling family life and work to sharing their love of running. Now, they’re taking on their latest challenge together - the TCS London Marathon on Sunday 26 April 2026 - to raise vital funds for Saint Francis Hospice.
Sue, who has worked as a counsellor with the Family and Individual Support Team at Saint Francis Hospice for 20 years, is an experienced runner having completed 30 marathons, including 20 London Marathons, since 1985. Ray has also completed five impressive marathons.
Terry, Sue and Ray's motivation
This year, the couple’s motivation for taking on the London Marathon is personal as they will be running in memory of a close friend who was cared for by the hospice.
“I wanted to do another marathon, and after our good friend Terry was cared for by the hospice, we decided to run in his memory,” said Ray, who works in street care for Havering Council. “When I found out I had a hospice place, I was delighted.”
“Terry became unwell very quickly,” said Sue. “The Hospice Community Team supported his family during those difficult days, and our bereavement service is now supporting Terry's wife. I saw the family at our Light Up a Life event in December. Christmas can be so hard after the loss of a loved one, I feel proud that Saint Francis Hospice offers such amazing support and continues to care for so many individuals.”
Sue and Ray are excited to be part of Team SFH and training is well underway.
A great team
“We’re a great team,” said Sue. “We have a training plan and will usually start off together before going off at our own pace. We will be taking part in the Essex?20 (20mile race) at Debden Airfield and the Brentwood Half Marathon on 22 March, which is a lovely course and a PB opportunity. It is one of my favourites as it was my first ever win (a long time ago) and it raises a lot for Saint Francis Hospice.”
Running has become such an important part of their lives that they even fit races into holidays, from an Australian parkrun to the Galway and Benidorm Half Marathons to name just a few.
“We always have a look at what races are on when we book to go away,” said Sue. “I love the health benefits. Using energy gives me energy. After a day of counselling, a run clears my head; it’s my therapy. Ray feels the same way.
Ray added: “You can go out with all the worries in the world and come back feeling different.”
What the London Marathon means to us
The London Marathon will always be an iconic challenge, and they both shared what it means to them.
"When I ran the London Marathon in 2021, I loved seeing the sea of orange at the cheer station,” said Sue. “It was so motivating and emotional. I remember seeing people I’d counselled volunteering. It really reminded me how the hospice gives people purpose.
“It's important to respect the 26.2-mile distance. Even with experience, you don’t want to find yourself struggling, you want to finish smiling, waving, and enjoying every step. I love the 15-mile mark. At that point I know what my marathon is going to be like. I want to say, ‘I’m at mile 15, just 11 to go!’”
Ray added, “The Cutty Sark is always a great landmark, but there is something about crossing over Tower Bridge that always makes me feel emotional. I’m looking forward to taking in the crowd and the noise and enjoying the whole experience.”
Support Sue and Ray’s fundraising: Donate via their page - https://tinyurl.com/2s4jjy8h
Every pound helps us provide outstanding, compassionate care.
