Ashley Garner

Saint Francis Hospice says a huge thank you to its incredible supporters who ran the London Marathon on Sunday and raised almost £100,000 to help people who are seriously unwell.

A total of 32 runners were among the 48,000 people who took on the iconic 26.2 mile run through the capital.

John Millgate wore a curly wig in the charity’s signature bright orange and ran in memory of his grandad Hartley Peters from Dagenham, said, “The London Marathon was one of the best experiences of my life.

“I have never witnessed noise like it, so many people from so many walks of life come together and cheering for a group of strangers in the pouring rain.

“I’ve just applied for next year’s ballot and here’s hoping if I’m unsuccessful, Saint Francis Hospice will have me back as a fundraiser for them.”

Ben Whateley, who is a member of Brentwood Running Club, was back supporting the hospice again and taking on his fifth London Marathon in memory of his dad who was cared for by the hospice before he died.

He summed up his experience by saying, “Simply put, we turned London orange. Everyone I saw from Saint Francis Hospice was hugs and high fives. Friendship and camaraderie. Shared goals and belief. Shared pain and joy. It was a pleasure to wear the orange once again.”

Robert Singh, lives in Romford and also ran in memory of his dad, said, “The atmosphere was amazing. When I found the last few miles tough, the crowd kept me going by cheering my name. I felt they became my second wind and it gave me the massive boost I needed.”

Michelle Hughes, Events and Community Stewardship Co-ordinator at the hospice, said it was a “huge privilege” to support the runners and praised their amazing efforts to support the charity.

“They have shared so much with me – the highs and lows, the reasons and motivations to run for Saint Francis Hospice,” said Michelle.

“The commitment they have shown is incredible – it is not easy to balance marathon training with a personal and professional life.

“They have individually and collectively as Team SFH, raised more than £98,000 so far and donations are still coming in.

“Their amazing efforts will make a difference to so many peoples’ lives and we simply couldn’t provide our palliative and end-of-life care services without our supporters.”

Feeling inspired? Apply to run the London Marathon in 2024 for Saint Francis Hospice – https://www.sfh.org.uk/apply-for-the-london-marathon