Meet the people who will run the London Marathon for Weston Hospicecare
Embargoed to 0001 Friday April 19 File photo dated 22/4/2018 of runners at the start of the 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon. Sleeping for no more than 10 hours per night, avoiding crowded areas and drinking half a litre of water before running are key to performing as well as possible in the London Marathon, sport scientists have said. - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
Five dedicated runners will go more than the extra mile for a Weston charity today (Sunday), tackling the London Marathon.
Ben Groom is running for Weston Hospicecare. - Credit: Archant
A quintet of supporters of Weston Hospicecare will travel to the capital for the famous race, with hopes of raising thousands of pounds for the good cause.
Ben Groom, Liz Georgiou, Liz Price, Kayte Archer and Damien Tolan will be among a field of more than 40,000 entrants taking on the 26.2-mile course.
The hospice, in Uphill, provides palliative care for people with life-limiting illnesses, and the band of runners believe the charity is a worthy cause to support after months of training.
All five hope to raise at least £2,000 for the hospice, and have personal stories to inspire them.
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Kayte will run in memory of a friend who died from cancer after being cared for by the hospice.
The 44-year-old said: “The care that she received was beyond words, and I just must give something back.”
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Damien will be thinking of his dad Liam as he races through the streets of London.
He said: “He spent his final days in Weston Hospicecare. It was an extremely difficult time; however, I was reassured by the fact he was receiving excellent care and support in the most comfortable environment possible.”
Ben, from Hutton, is an experienced member of Weston Athletic Club and knows the invaluable role hospices play.
The 41-year-old said: “Both my wife and I had grandparents who were cared for in local hospices and understand the valuable work they do, ensuring everyone spends their final moments exactly how they want.”
Liz Georgiou works as a nurse for Weston Area Health NHS Trust, and the 39-year-old has been pulling out all the stops to raise as much cash as she can – holding cake sales and securing sponsorship for her training kit.
She said: “Weston Hospicecare works both in the hospice and our community, working tirelessly to ensure people can be cared for both physically and emotionally in their place of choice – so please sponsor me by giving whatever you can.”
Keen runner Liz Price, aged 49, chose to support the charity after her husband became a trustee.
She said: “We have both been incredibly impressed by the support the hospice offers.”
To donate, log on to www.westonhospicecare.org.uk
