Vicky's London Marathon Challenge for Saint Francis Hospice

I was lucky enough to be selected from the 1.1 million people who applied to receive a ballot place for the London Marathon. So on Sunday 26th April 2026, I’ll be joining thousands of others running the most famous 26.2 miles in the world.

Two and a half years ago, I could barely run at all. I thought I’d try Couch to 5km at the local running club, but once I got there, I was hooked. I’m not the fastest or the most dignified runner you’ll ever see, but I keep going, one foot in front of the other.

As a ballot runner, I don’t have to fundraise, I could simply turn up and enjoy the day. But working at Saint Francis Hospice, I see every day the difference fundraising makes to hospices like ours. That’s why I chose to run for the hospice.

A very special place

Then, in November last year, my beautiful mama, who had received so much care from the hospice, sadly and unexpectedly died. That made my resolve even stronger.

Saint Francis Hospice is a very special place, providing palliative and end-of-life care across Havering, Brentwood, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham, and parts of West Essex. As an independent charity, there is no cost to the people who use our services. People and their loved ones receive everything free of charge. And the support goes far beyond clinical care; the hospice offers community services, support groups, family support and so much more.

The cost of compassionate care

What many people don’t realise is that it costs around £12 million every year to provide all of this, and less than 30% comes from government or statutory funding. That means Saint Francis must raise almost £9 million annually to continue its care. Fundraising isn’t just important, it’s vital.

I started training for this huge challenge in October, but when my mum died, I had to stop and regroup. Now I’m back at it with renewed determination. I run at least three times a week: an interval or tempo session, a short easy run, and a long weekend run. The long runs are the toughest, not just physically, as the distances increase, but in how marathon training reshapes your life.

From now until 26th April 2026, there’ll be early nights, early mornings, no big nights out, and many, many miles on the pavement. Thankfully, my family is fully behind me.

I would love to hear from any businesses that can support me with raffle prizes for my upcoming fundraising quiz night, and I’d be grateful for any donations to my fundraising page to help the hospice continue its incredible work:

https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/victoria-miles-gale