Marathon runners call from children’s hospice

Runners with a ballot place in this year’s London Marathon are being urged to join Team Martin House and raise money for seriously ill children and young people.

Ballot places for the marathon were announced on February 8, and Martin House Hospice Care for Children and Young is calling on runners who have their own place to join its team.

Nikki Denton, events fundraising manager at Martin House, said: “The London Marathon is the ultimate goal for runners, but it also raises millions for charity every year, so it was a double blow that it couldn’t take place in 2020.

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“We’re hoping that people who have been lucky enough to win a ballot place in this year’s marathon will consider joining our team of runners, and raise money for Martin House.

“We offer full support to everyone who runs for Martin House, and our runners can take part in the world’s greatest marathon knowing they are also helping children and young people with serious and complex health needs benefit from our care.”

Gavin Phillis, who has run the London Marathon twice for Martin House, in memory of his daughter Esme, said: “People should run for Martin House because you don’t know what it does until you really need it.

“Martin House was there for me, my wife and family after Esme passed away. They gave me the opportunity to grieve and understand.”

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He added: “They gave me the support I needed that I couldn’t get anywhere else.

“My experience of running the London Marathon was phenomenal, the atmosphere, the crowds, the iconic landmarks – it is incredible.

“But for me it was also about trying to give back to an organisation that had been there for me in my most difficult times.

“By running for Martin House, you are helping to ensure it can give the great love and care to young people and their families when they need it.”

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This year’s London Marathon is due to take place on Sunday October 3.

To find out more and register your interest in running for Martin House, visit www.martinhouse.org.uk/londonmarathon2021 or email [email protected].