The London Marathon 2025 is nearly upon us and this year there are seven runners taking part for Weston Hospicecare on Sunday 27 April.
Each of our team of runners has their own reasons for participating in the Marathon this year, so read on to find out who they are and why they are taking part.
Andrew
I am running the 2025 London Marathon on behalf of my late mother-in-law Mary Crouch who sadly lost her fight against cancer in April 2024. She had 3-weeks of care at Weston Hospice which made all the difference during this difficult period. Mary loved the nurses and Doctors and found everybody so kind and helpful. So, for me it’s a great honour to represent such a fantastic hospice who do so much for the local community.
To support Andrew please click here.
Stephanie
I’m running the London Marathon alongside my sister to help raise money for Weston Hospice. London Marathon has a been a lifelong dream of mine and being able to do it for Weston Hospicecare has meant so much more. We have held a wreath making workshop and quiz night to help us raise funds and we are so grateful to those that took part. Having had family and friends use the hospice, we know what a fantastic job they all do and we want to continue some of these events in the future to raise even more!
To support Stephanie please click here.
Charlie
I have been lucky enough to secure a ballot place to run London 2025.
After running London in 2018, I said never again! But on reflection, it was the hottest year on record and feeling hard done by, I’ve put my hat in the ring ever since… hoping that this year I can achieve the time I set out and close that unfinished business!
It was a no brainer that I use this opportunity to support Weston Hospicecare on my marathon efforts. Running and fundraising alongside Steph has been great fun (even those cold and early starts) and I can’t wait to run that victory lap on the 27th and take home that medal!
To support Charlie please click here.
Jake
On the 27th April 2025 I will be running the London Marathon in honour of the late great man that was Steve Bullock.
Steve sadly passed away at just 28 years old, after a short battle with cancer. During this difficult time, Weston Hospicecare provided invaluable support to Steve, his wife Vicky, his family, and friends. Ensuring that everyone was cared for and as comfortable as possible, allowing Steve to spend his final moments in peace.
To support Jake please click here.
Joanna
In 2022 my gorgeous friend Claire died of bowel cancer aged just 44. She received the most wonderful care from her local hospice where she spent her last days. Her brilliant sense of humour never failing her, she likened this to staying in a hotel! During her illness, I was deeply moved by the care and compassion with which the hospice treated Claire. They provided vital support not only to her, but to her husband and 2 young children at the time when they needed it most.
As a GP in the local area, I work closely with Weston Hospicecare and have seen first hand, the amazing care that they give to patients and their loved ones at what is often the most difficult time in their lives. Their work has a fundamental impact on those they support.
I feel privileged to have the opportunity to be part of this fundraising. On April 27th 2025, I will be taking on the challenge of running the London Marathon in the memory of Claire, and in support of Weston Hospicecare and all of the invaluable work that they do. Any support that you can give to help me towards my target will be greatly appreciated.
To support Joanna please click here.
Bjorn
This year I’m excited and honoured to be running the London Marathon to support a cause that is important to both me, my friends and family, Weston Hospicecare.
In March 2019, we lost our dear friend James “Dex” Bale, who had been diagnosed with stage four brain cancer only two months earlier. Dex’s illness was too aggressive to treat, and he spent his last days receiving wonderful care and compassion from the team at Weston Hospicecare. At the time I decided to put my legs to good use, with the aim to give something back to Weston Hospicare and basically just to try and help in some small way, by running the Exeter Marathon that same year. Thanks to the amazing support from friends and family I raised just over £1500 of vital funds.
Very recently, a former colleague and friend, Penny, was also supported by Weston Hospicecare in her final days after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Once again, the hospice team were brilliant in providing comfort and dignity during such a difficult time and again providing amazing support to Penny’s friends and loved ones.
So I’m doing the London Marathon in memory of Dex, Penny and all the families who still benefit from this wonderful charity. Every step I take recognises the care that they received, and every pound raised will allow Weston Hospicecare to carry on its important work for other people who are facing their end of life journeys.
To support Bjorn please click here.
James
I’m running the LDN Marathon for Weston Hospicecare in Memory of my beautiful wife Sarah, we always wanted to run LDN together but never got in. Thanks to Weston Hospicecare I now have the chance to fulfill Sarah’s ambition & take part, while rasing much needed funds for the Hospice.
To support James please click here.
Emma
Having the chance to take part in the London Marathon is not only an honour in itself but also a privilege to have a golden opportunity to raise funds and awareness of a charity that does so much. Weston Hospicecare have provided care and support for so many, touching the hearts of people I have loved and sadly lost. When you are in that situation that you’d never imagined, they are the ones who hold your hand and guide you through, with the most gentle and kindest touch. So please, let’s give something back and help where we can. Thank you.