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Meet the Jersey runners taking on the London Marathon in aid of Hospice!
Friday 12 Apr 2024
On the 21 April, nine islanders will be swapping the scenic views of Jersey’s coastline for the streets of the big smoke – running the London Marathon in aid of Jersey Hospice Care. Each participant has shared their personal reasons for taking on the challenge to raise vital funds for us, which you can find in their biographies below.
The money raised means we can continue to support islanders facing life-limiting conditions and their families – whether that’s on our In Patient Unit, through our services in the community, or with bereavement counselling.
We’re grateful for all those taking part and everyone who donates.
Ashleigh Seymour:
“I’m honoured to be running my first full marathon in aid of Jersey Hospice Care. I was due to run London last year, however unfortunately I picked up an injury and made the decision to defer to this year. Since last year, running has become such a big part of my life around a busy job and three young children. It’s not easy but I love it! I have chosen to run for Jersey Hospice Care as not only were they exceptional for my grandmother in her final days, they’ve also provided many of my close friends with the much needed support through their loved ones’ final days, as well as in bereavement. What Hospice does to support individuals and families goes above and beyond words. I couldn’t be more excited to complete this personal challenge while fundraising for such an amazing charity. Thank you to everyone for your support so far, it’s hugely appreciated.”
Click here to support Ashleigh!
Fiona MacKinnon-Fox and Jodie Botterill:
“Jodie and I will be running the London 2024 Marathon in memory of Sylvie, our friend, partner, and team-mate who lost her courageous battle with cancer in September 2022 – she was only 34 years old. Jersey Hospice Care provided invaluable care to Sylvie and her family/friends during her last few weeks with us and we would like to raise as much money as we can to ensure this charity can continue the amazing work and support they provide to islanders every single day.”
Click here to support Fiona and Jodie!
Maëlle Smith:
“I’m delighted to be running the London Marathon in aid of Jersey Hospice Care. I’m running in memory of my stepdad who sadly passed away from terminal illness and spent the last month of his life at Hospice. After experiencing what they do first hand, I can't put into words how grateful I am for all of the care they gave to him, as well as the support provided to my mum and family during a traumatic time. To thank them, I want to give back and raise as much money as possible by doing something that’s both physically and mentally challenging, requiring a huge amount of commitment - the London Marathon seemed perfectly aligned with that! I’m excited to run the marathon after having put a lot of effort into training, but more importantly, I’m so proud to be supporting Hospice.”
Lizzie Inns:
“I‘m running the London Marathon in memory of my Mum and Dad, Jill and Chris Cole, who passed away in the wonderful care of Jersey Hospice Care just a year apart in 2019 and 2020.
When Dad was referred to the In Patient Unit at Jersey Hospice Care I didn’t know what to expect as I had never been to a hospice before, but the team were amazing from the moment Dad arrived to the day he passed. The staff, the volunteers, the facilities, and even the atmosphere – it felt like such a positive environment despite everything.
I never expected I would be returning to Hospice so soon with Mum when she also became ill. We all know losing our parents is inevitable, but to lose them so quickly and so close together was shocking and extremely tough to deal with. I found the strength to cope through the support of my family, friends, and colleagues, and I also had help from the Jersey Hospice Care Bereavement team – who organised counselling sessions and offered ongoing support should I need it.
I’m truly grateful for the support I received from Hospice throughout such a difficult time, and now I would like to give something back to this amazing charity by taking on the London Marathon and raising money for them!”
Tom Raynor:
“This will be my first marathon and I'm over the moon to have been chosen by Jersey Hospice Care to be a part of their team for London 2024! Jersey Hospice Care have looked after members of our family, and the service they gave was outstanding for the entirety of their stay. I have just tipped over my fundraising target and hoping to continue to raise important funds for the charity right up until the event!”
Karl Fitzpatrick:
“My running challenge started in 2021 when a good friend's dad, Mr Alan Walters, sadly passed away at Jersey Hospice Care. I had the most fantastic experience running the London Marathon in 2022, it was a day I’ll never forget. I also ran last year in the Hospice shoe – I enjoyed it so much; I’m going again this year! Despite my recent injury, I will laugh, smile, dance, and enjoy every moment of the 26.2 mile course!”
Simon Fanning:
“As many of you will be aware – and indeed a large number of you have joined previous challenges – I walked (with my good friend Paul Turrell) almost 900 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End in 2020, and then in reverse in 2021, and the almost 500 miles of El Camino in 2023, with the primary aim of raising money for the charities run by a good friend, Mike Palfreman. This year, rather than walking extreme distances, I will be running the London Marathon in support of Jersey Hospice Care.”
Helen Ollivro:
“After a failed attempt last year (my knee gave way half way through training) I am pleased to say that this year I have completed my final long training run and will make that start line! It is going to be painful and not in a time that I would have liked - still injured and heavily taped - but I am DETERMINED to do this! 'Jeffing' has become my new best friend. Whilst I managed to get a ballot place, I am raising funds for Hospice - a charity very close to my heart, which has helped so many of my family and friends over the years.”