Team tackles TCS London Marathon

The runners taking to the start line in Greenwich on 23 April 2023 had a variety of reasons for taking on the race.

Eoin was motivated to sign up for a place after his dad was cared for by Rennie Grove’s Hospice at Home nurses towards the end of his life. Eoin said:

“When my dad was ill, it was Rennie Grove’s Hospice at Home care that allowed him choice around where he would spend his final hours. The nurses not only cared for my dad but supported the whole family at the hardest of times. They were there to answer questions, keep up morale and to guide us through the many unknowns of such a difficult time. I’ve been passionate about raising money for Rennie Grove ever since, but this is my first marathon for the charity!”

He was joined at the start line by Lia, from Chalfont St Peter who had waited a long time to complete the race. We caught up with her before the race when she said:

“I first got a place to run the London Marathon for Rennie Grove when I was 24 and by the time I run it, I’ll be 28. So I’ve waited a long time for this! Some of the things I’m most looking forward to are Tower Bridge and the finish line. I can’t wait to experience everything everybody tells me about running over Tower Bridge and crossing the finish line. And more importantly, doing it with my sister and for a great cause.”

[Lia and her sister, Amber, with their medals after completing the London Marathon]

Daisy, from Chalfont St Giles had also had a long road to the start line. In the run up to the day she said:

“I decided to take on the London Marathon in aid of Rennie Grove after my grandma was cared for by the charity before she died in 2017. The service the nurses provided was incredible and I really wanted to give back to ensure other families can access the same level of care.

“I was lucky enough to secure a place in the 2019 race but had to postpone my place due to a broken arm. And then the pandemic scuppered my delayed plans. I did run the virtual London Marathon in 2021 but that was quite a slog – running in the rain without the atmosphere and support of the real event. Everyone says the atmosphere at the London Marathon is amazing so I can’t wait to soak that up.”

On the day of the race, the runners were treated to fair weather and incredible crowd support. Many of the runners had family and friends positioned along the famous course to cheer them on as they passed. The Rennie Grove cheer point – full of staff, volunteers and the runners’ friends and family was positioned at mile 18 to give all of the runners an additional boost as they made their way along the legendary route.

After completing the course, Callum, who was running in memory of his father, said:

“Running the London Marathon in 2023 is genuinely one of the best thing I have ever done in my life, and fundraising for a charity that means so much to me makes it even more special. I had great support and guidance from everybody at Rennie Grove Hospice Care throughout the whole process and I would love to run it for the charity again in the future! To anyone who is thinking about running London – please do it for Rennie Grove Hospice Care!”

If you’ve been inspired to take on the London Marathon 2024 to fundraise for Rennie Grove or Peace Hospice Care, contact the community fundraising team at community@renniegrove.org to find out more about applying for one of our golden bond places.