Months of dedicated training will come to fruition this weekend, when five runners take on one of Britain’s most famous athletic challenges in aid of Weston Hospicecare.

The quintet – Ben Groom, Liz Georgiou, Liz Price, Kayte Archer and Damien Tolan – will take to the streets of the capital alongside more than 40,000 other runners for the London Marathon.

The event is arguably the most famous race in Britain and places are extremely coveted, meaning each of the five has already earned their first victory by securing one of the hospice’s gold bond places. 

All five have since spent months preparing for the 26.2-mile challenge, while also each aiming to raise £2,000 – or more – for the hospice.

Hutton resident Ben, aged 41, is an experienced runner with Weston Athletic Club, and has completed ultramarathons in the past.

He said: “Since moving to the area five years ago, I’ve got to know more about the fantastic work and support of Weston Hospicecare.

“Both my wife and I have had grandparents that have been cared for in local hospices and understand the valuable work that they do, ensuring everyone spends their final moments exactly how they want.

“I know the funds I have raised will be put towards a fantastic local charity which I will be proud to support throughout my journey in achieving a personal goal.”

If you would like to make a contribution to Ben‘s fundraising, you can sponsor him here.

Liz Georgiou, aged 39, works as a nurse for Weston Area Health Trust, and took on the recent Weston Super Half as part of her training.

She has been fundraising in a huge variety of ways, from holding cake sales at her work and son’s nursery, to securing sponsorship for her training tops and asking friends to sponsor individual miles of the challenge ahead.

Mum-of-one Liz said: “I run on a regular basis; during 2018 I completed numerous 10k races, four half marathons and the 401 challenge.

“Weston Hospicecare works both in the hospice and our community, working tirelessly to ensure people can be cared for both physically and emotionally in their place of choice – so please sponsor me by giving whatever you can.”

If you would like to make a contribution to Liz‘s fundraising, you can sponsor her here.

Kayte, aged 44, works for Nuffield Health, and has raised more than £5,000 for the hospice.

She said: “I sadly lost a friend through cancer who was cared for in the hospice. The care that she received was beyond words, and I just must give something back.

“What the hospice provides for the patient and their family shows such compassion, and the care is second to none.

“During a time when emotions are running high and sadness is overwhelming, the hospice can provide a safe haven with trained staff who just know what is needed, from a cuppa to taking a moment to listen.

“Life is precious and those of us fortunate to have tomorrow, we must experience it with all that we have.”

If you would like to make a contribution to Kayte‘s fundraising, you can sponsor her here.

Damien, aged 42, is running because his family has been touched by the work of the hospice.

He said: “I will be running in memory of my dad Liam. My dad was a keen sportsman in his day and used to love hearing tales of the races I had taken part in.

“We used to watch the London Marathon on telly together, and I know he would have been made up to hear I would be running.

“My dad spent his final days in Weston Hospicecare. It was an extremely difficult time; however, I was reassured by the fact that he was receiving excellent medical care and support in the most comfortable environment possible.

“The compassion, kindness and understanding of all the staff and volunteers we encountered was remarkable and a source of great comfort to the family.

“Weston Hospicecare provided us with a bright and peaceful haven, far removed from a hospital setting, in which we were able to share some fantastic moments.”

If you would like to make a contribution to Damien‘s fundraising, you can sponsor him here.

Liz Price, aged 49, works at Backwell School, and is a keen runner and has completed a number of previous marathons.

She said: “My husband Simon has recently become a trustee of the hospice and we have both been incredibly impressed by the staff, facilities and support that the hospice offers our local community.

“While we have living in Weston for the past 20 years, we were not previously aware of the fantastic work that the hospice does purely from donations and local support.”

If you would like to make a contribution to Liz‘s fundraising, you can sponsor her here.

Anyone who is interested in registering their interest in representing Weston Hospicecare in the 2020 London Marathon can do so by emailing simon.angear@westonhospicecare.org.uk