My Story

Like all my best ideas, this one started with a few beers...

A general idea to set a goal to improve fitness evolved into applying for a ballot place for the London Marathon. I was the 'lucky one' who opened the email in October to the joyous news I had secured said ballot place for 2025!! Unfortunately work commitments (and general dislike of running) led me to postpone to 2026.

As you are only allowed to defer your marathon place once, so my first 'in-person' marathon will be in 2026. With a ballot place there is no requirement to raise funds to secure a place. However, since securing my place, my family have experienced first hand the incredible work of St Gemma's Hospice team after my mum Hilary was diagnosed with an agressive cancer in October 2025. The amazing support of St Gemmas meant that she could be at home with family and friends to the end.

Running in the purple St Gemma's vest is one small way of repaying St Gemmas for the kindness and professionalism they offered us all at this difficult time. Money raised by my efforts around the streets of London in April will ensure that other families will continue to benefit from the huge variety of services St Gemmas' provide to people with cancer and their families.

Every donation matters - chuck in a pints' worth.

Marc.