Virgin Money London Marathon Human Interest Stories 2015

2015 Virgin Money London Marathon Human Interest Runner Stories

Name Story

Charity Location

Charlotte Tyler, 35

Siblings Charlotte and Dan Tyler will be running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon together for the first time in memory of their Dad, Chris. Chris was diagnosed with fronto-temporal dementia, one of the less commonly known forms of dementia, in September 2008 and suffered a six year battle with the condition before he passed away at his care home in Wrexham, Wales in October 2014, shortly after Charlotte and Dan had secured their London Marathon places. “Fortunately, Dad’s dementia was not experienced in isolation. We were lucky and privileged enough to find a community of support at the Bodlondeb Dementia Care Centre at Pendine Park in Wrexham, where a cadre of first rate and dedicated care professionals looked after our Dad and comforted us. “We will be raising valuable money for the Alzheimer’s Society, a charity that does an amazing job to help families like ours receive the support and information they need following news of a diagnosis, as well as shout loudly about the need for more awareness and funds to fight this cruel illness.”

For more information or to sponsor Charlotte and Dan please visit

www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/TeamTyler

Alzheimer’s Society Wrexham

Tim Branchett, 28

In April 2014, Tim Branchett’s daughter was born eight weeks prematurely and received specialist care at Pembury Hospital. Little Amelia is now a healthy baby and Tim will be running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon as part of a 5 day challenge for Bliss, the baby charity.

“In April 2015 I will be running 5 marathons in 5 days in Tidworth, Winchester, Windsor and Ashford before finishing with the London Marathon.

“I have never run a marathon before but wanted to do something special for a charity that is close to our family’s hearts. The care Amelia received and the support given to us and

Bliss, the baby charity Ashford, Kent

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/TeamTyler


other families in there (Pembury Hospital) was fantastic.”

For more information or to sponsor Tim please visit www.justgiving.com/Tim-Branchett.

Colin Plews, 46 Colin Plews will be running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon in a big pink dress to raise money for Breast Cancer Campaign’s Wear It Pink. Colin, or as he is more commonly known ‘Big Pink Dress’, will be running for his friend Janet who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. “People have said I’m brave for running in a big pink dress even though I am a 6ft 6 and 19 stone ex-forces man. But my dear friend Janet is the incredibly brave one. I am now going to do the Virgin Money London Marathon in costume to raise money to fight this horrible disease. “I’ve heard the atmosphere at the London Marathon is electric so I can’t wait to experience it for myself.” For more information or to sponsor Colin please visit www.justgiving.com/bigpinkdress2015

Breast Cancer Campaign South Shields

Katey Cuthbertson 30

Katey lost both her sister and dad to cancer, and has chosen to run the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon in aid of Cancer Research UK in their memory. Katey was extremely close to her sister but sadly Fay passed away from pancreatic cancer at just 41 in 2013,. Katey’s dad died in 2014 after a three year battle with brain cancer. Katey is now embarking on an epic challenge to complete 1,000 miles in 1,000 days to raise £41,000 for Cancer Research, which represents £1,000 for every year her sister was alive. Katey’s challenge includes climbing the three peaks, mud runs, half marathons, rowing marathons and finally culminates in the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon.

Cancer Research UK Hampshire

http://www.justgiving.com/Tim-Branchett

http://www.justgiving.com/bigpinkdress2015


”I chose the London Marathon as it is the closest to home and it will be great to have so many friends and family supporting me along the way for such a great cause.” For more information or to sponsor Katey please visit www.donateinmemory.cancerresearchuk.org/0004227

Sadie Phillips, 31 Sadie will be running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon for the first time with her husband Jon to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Sadie was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2012 after doctors found a lump they had removed from her cervix was cancerous. Later that year Sadie had to have a hysterectomy, after a cone biopsy to remove the surrounding tissue showed that the cancer was still present. After going into remission in October 2012, Sadie was presented with the devastating news that abnormal cells had been found after a check-up in January 2014. The tumour this time around had to be treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In August 2014, Sadie went into remission once more and she now can’t wait to step up to the challenge of running the London Marathon for Cancer Research. “It will be the biggest physical challenge either of us has ever attempted but after surviving cancer again I feel like anything is possible. Cancer Research UK is a charity that is really close to both of our hearts, as it is for so many others, so we hope you'll join us in raising money for this fantastic cause.” For more information or to sponsor Sadie please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/SadieandJon

Cancer Research UK Plymouth

Adil Zargar, 45 Adil will be running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon in memory of his wife Saba. Saba died in May 2013, aged just 40. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in early 2007,

Cancer Research UK Hertfordshire

http://www.donateinmemory.cancerresearchuk.org/0004227

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/SadieandJon


but after six years of chemotherapy and other treatment, her cancer proved resistant to treatment. During her treatment, Saba continued to work as a clinical scientist at health care company Roche as she wanted to see what could be done to beat cancer sooner. “My wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in May 2007 and underwent multiple surgeries and almost continuous chemotherapy for six long years without success. It was very painful to see her suffer. “She fought the disease bravely until her body could not take it anymore. She was passionate about finding a cure for cancer and helping people with cancer. I want to make her dream come true and believe that the only way we can help people diagnosed with cancer, and their families, is to find a cure.” For more information or to sponsor Adil please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/AdilZargar

Margaret Smith, 53

Margaret Sinclair is running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon to raise money and awareness for the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust, which has supported her grandson Zach in his fight against Retinoblastoma and Pineoblastoma. Zach was diagnosed with this rare form of cancer, which affects the retina in children, in September 2013 when he was just ten and a half months old. “This will be my sixth London Marathon but by far the more important as this time I have a very personal reason to run.” For more information or to sponsor Margaret please visit www.justgiving.com/Margaret-Sinclair2

Childhood Eye Cancer Trust

Scotland

Nikki and Mark Nikki and Mark Calladine will be running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon for Children with Cancer UK Stafford

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/AdilZargar

http://www.justgiving.com/Margaret-Sinclair2

http://www.justgiving.com/Margaret-Sinclair2


Calladine Children with Cancer UK after their daughter Chloe, aged just two, was diagnosed with ITP, an autoimmune disease that attacks blood platelets and can lead to leukaemia. Chloe has endured four years of treatment, including general anaesthetics and platelet infusions, as well as a bone marrow transplant. After years in and out of the hospital, Nikki decided that her and her husband Mark would fundraise for Children with Cancer UK to do everything they could to help their daughter and others like her. “We have seen firsthand the devastating effects of childhood cancers and so are raising money to support the wonderful work that the Children with Cancer charity do.”

For more information or to sponsor Nikki and Mark please visit www.justgiving.com/Nicola-Calladine

Jo-Ann Ellis, 36

Jo-Ann Ellis will be running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon with her sister Nicola (29) to raise funds for the charity Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group in memory of her son Jake. Jake was diagnosed with a rare aggressive tumour called Rhabdomysarcoma at the age of 11 months, undergoing three major operations, nine sessions of chemotherapy and six full weeks of radiotherapy. Unfortunately after Jake’s cancer had returned for a third time, there was no more that could be done and Jake died in November 2008, aged five. “My husband Nick and I decided that we needed to do something to help, and raise much needed funds for CCLG. My family is never complete without Jake, but helping people and raising money helps so much. “I ran the London Marathon in 2014 and raised nearly £7,000. It was an amazing experience so I had to share it with my sister Nicola; sisters are doing it together hand in hand for our special boy Jake. If we can help just one family by saving a child from cancer it is so worth all the hard work and training.”

Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group

Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria

http://www.justgiving.com/Nicola-Calladine

http://www.justgiving.com/Nicola-Calladine


For more information or to sponsor Jo-Ann and Nicola please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Jake5

Andrew Cooke, 33

Andrew Cooke will be taking on the challenge of the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon in aid of Children’s Hospice South West, a charity close to his heart. Andrew’s daughter Freya was diagnosed at just four months old with the life-limiting and incurable condition mitochondrial disease, leaving him and his family devastated. “We had never heard of the disease and left the hospital with our baby girl feeling heartbroken and completely alone. “When we were offered support from the children’s hospice we initially hesitated. We were not ready to think of hospices. However, as the weeks passed we knew that Freya was still very poorly and her prognosis was so poor that we at least needed to take a look. We haven’t looked back since. “Freya is now five years old and has made massive unexpected progress. At present our visits to the hospice are less frequent but they still give us the support just the same. The hospice is a lifeline to families who need it, offering care and support during the most difficult times.” For more information or to sponsor Andrew please visit www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Cooke2015

Children’s Hospice South West

Bristol

Ed Williams, 39

Ed Williams will be putting on his running shoes to take part in the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon in aid of Cricket Without Boundaries (CWB), for which he is a trustee. Cricket Without Boundaries is a charity that aims to get more children and adults all over the world involved in sport, particularly cricket. During the ten years it has been in existence, the charity has trained over 130,000 children and 3,000 adults across the world, and provided employment for CWB ambassadors.

Cricket Without Boundaries

London

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Jake5

http://www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Cooke2015

http://www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Cooke2015


“I am running to raise funds to help to expand the ambassador programmes in each country. Each £750 I raise will provide employment for a young African coach for an entire year. I am aiming to raise at least £3,000 to be able to fund four ambassadors.” For more information or to sponsor Ed please visit www.cricketwithoutboundaries.com

Nicola Hack, 47

Nicola Hack was inspired to run the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon for the charity Fisher House after experiencing support from the free facility when her son Ben was injured whilst serving in Afghanistan. “Ben was serving in Afghanistan in October 2013 when he was unfortunately caught up in a suicide car bomb attempt. He was flown back to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, where he received first class treatment, and fortunately he made a full recovery. “As a family we received support from Fisher House, which was invaluable. Ben’s wife, Grace, was able to stay there with Ben and they ensured that there was always someone around to answer questions and help with any concerns. The London Marathon will be my biggest ever personal challenge.” For more information or to sponsor Nicola please visit www.justgiving.com/nicola-Hack1/

Fisher House Walsall

Michelle Green, 35

Michelle Green has set herself the challenge of completing a different sporting event every weekend to raise money for the Footprints, Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association, culminating in the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon in April. A 35 year old P.E. teacher, Michelle has committed herself fully to the challenge ahead and has so far raised over £4,500 for the children’s charity, which provides support, friendship and a range of specialist educational services to children across south Hampshire. “I chose Footprints as a charity as I am a teacher and understand that children are unique as

Footprints -Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

Portsmouth

http://www.cricketwithoutboundaries.com/

http://www.justgiving.com/nicola-Hack1/


individuals and have a variety of needs. All children require an environment that they can go to, to have fun and express themselves. What a fantastic charity it is an honour to support them.” For more information or to sponsor Michelle please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/MichelleGreen13

Adam Lamb, 30

Adam Lamb is running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon to raise money for a charity he has been involved with for some time, Friends of the Elderly. Adam is committed to supporting older people in all areas of life and is looking forward to running for a cause he cares passionately about. “Championing the rights of older and vulnerable members of our society is a cause that I hold very close to my heart. In the summer of 2011 I became a live-in companion and carer for Kyla, a 93-year old widow. “Since becoming companions, we have enjoyed countless evenings laughing and sharing stories. I also assist Kyla’s care team by providing practical help around the home. “While small acts can make a big difference to the issue of loneliness, I know that in order to facilitate change on a larger scale, charities like Friends of the Elderly also need donations. I have therefore set myself a fundraising target of £4,000.” For more information or to sponsor Adam please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/endloneliness

Friends of the Elderly North London

Jackie Scott, 37

Jackie Scott has secured a place to run the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon through her chosen charity, Group B Strep Support, the UK’s leading charity in the prevention of life-threatening infection in newborn babies and meningitis in babies under three months. Jackie’s nephew Samuel was stillborn as a result of group B Strep infection in 2009 and she

Group B Strep Support Letchworth, Hertfordshire

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/MichelleGreen13

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/endloneliness


has since vowed to complete a challenge every year in Samuel’s memory. “I made a promise to my sister that every year I would take on a challenge to keep the memory of Samuel alive and to raise as much awareness of this deadly infection in newborn babies as I can. Taking part in the London Marathon is my biggest challenge yet and I’m sure it will be an emotional day for all of us. “To run the London Marathon is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I am determined to be the fittest I can to complete it and raise awareness of Group B Strep.” For more information or to sponsor Jackie please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/forsamuel

Philip Woods,

Philip Woods will be running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon for the tenth time in support of the charity HemiHelp. Over the last 10 years Phil and his family have experienced first-hand the essential work that HemiHelp provides to children and young adults affected by hemiplegia, a condition similar to that of a stroke in adults. Phil’s son George was diagnosed with hemiplegia in 2003 when he was two and half years old. “As parents who had never heard of hemiplegia, we were daunted at the thought of George’s prospects through his childhood. The charity has offered great support, guidance and excellent advisors, especially over the first few years of his childhood. “I decided that I wanted to give something back to the charity that has been so supportive and at the same time realise my dream of running in the world’s greatest marathon, the London Marathon; it is my favourite day of the year!" For more information or to sponsor Philip please visit www.virginmoney.com/PhilWoods

HemiHelp Leicester

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/forsamuel

http://www.virginmoney.com/PhilWoods


Marie Stephenson, 34

Marie Stephenson is running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon to raise money for two charities close to her heart – Kidneys For Life and Kidney Research UK. Marie’s son John, now aged 3, was born with Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome, meaning the holes in his kidneys were too big and he ended up leaking substantial amounts of blood. In January 2014, after two years of intense treatment, John’s kidneys were removed on the same day that mum Marie was confirmed as a donor match. “After extensive testing, my kidney was donated to John, and we haven’t looked back since. It has given us our life and freedom back. “Before I donated my kidney I decided to get as fit as possible so I could recover quickly for John and my little girl Lexi. I decided I needed a new challenge and wanted to give back to all those who had aided our transplant. The London Marathon seems the perfect option.” For more information or to sponsor Marie, please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/mandm4.

Kidneys For Life and Kidney Research UK

Lancaster

John Golding, 50

John Golding will be taking part in the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon to raise money for the charity Kids Inspire which helps troubled children in Essex to become healthy young adults. John and his wife Karen have fostered children for a number of years and know first-hand the difficulties that neglected children face. “We have intimate experience of the terrible neglect that some children suffer and we know that with time, care and love they can be turned around. We have decided to take this a stage further (by running the London Marathon) to provide some real benefit to other children who desperately need security, stability, love and encouragement. “If you read about the fantastic work that the team at Kids Inspire do, you will realise that it’s no exaggeration to say that this is the last possible stop for many of the young children

Kids Inspire Essex

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/mandm4


in the Essex area.” For more information or to sponsor John please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/TeamGolding

Andy Rayner, 31 Andy Rayner will run the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon in April to raise funds for Kings College Hospital in London who have cared for his young son Sebastian over the past four months. Andy’s wife Elaine has worked at the London Marathon for the last seven years, most recently as Entry Co-ordinator, and is well aware of the wonderful ways in which fundraisers help their chosen charities during the event. Now though she and her husband will have a very different experience of the London Marathon as Andy prepares to take on the 26.2 mile course for their son Seb. In November 2014, Elaine went into premature labour at 24 weeks and gave birth to their baby boy who weighed just 1lb 9oz. Baby Seb spent the first three months of his life being cared for by the doctors and nurses in the neonatal intensive-care unit (NICU) at Kings College Hospital where he has battled kidney failure, a bleed on his lungs and a hole in his heart. He has also had numerous blood transfusions and required the help of ventilation systems to get him through his first few weeks of life. Elaine said: “As a parent it was the hardest thing to watch your tiny helpless baby struggling so much, but it was also inspiring and one of our proudest moments when we saw him fighting back every single day. “Seb is now four months old and weighing in at over 5 pounds. We owe everything to the NICU team at Kings College Hospital, who have helped give Seb a fighting chance at life.”

Kings College Hospital Kent

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/TeamGolding


It costs the NICU at Kings College £1,500 per day/per baby, meaning the cost to treat and care for one baby in the unit each week is an incredible £10,500. Andy, who has run the London Marathon once before, said: “I will be doing the only thing I know how and that is to run the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon. This money will be used to improve facilities for babies, parents and nurses on the unit.” For more information or to sponsor Andy please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/AndrewRayner82

Aimee Perry, 25 Aimee Perry and her Dad are running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon to raise money for the charity Lilly Uganda, established in 2010 by Aimee and her sister Charlotte. The charity was founded after Aimee and Charlotte visited an orphanage in Uganda in 2010 where they saw first-hand the extreme poverty in which the children were living. Only 25% of children get the opportunity to complete their education in Uganda, something the girls were determined to improve upon after returning from their trip. On 23 January 2013, they opened their own children’s home, Rafiki House in Kampala. It is a home for vulnerable children who have either been abandoned or have relatives who live in extreme poverty. Rafiki House is a new start for children, aged between five and 15 years old, and has given them the opportunity to enjoy their childhood and gain an education. Aimee is determined to raise as much money as possible towards the £20,000 needed each year to run Rafiki House and is excited to take on the London Marathon. “Dad and I will be running for Lilly Uganda as we want to ensure the kids we look after in Uganda can get an education. They are inspiring kids and deserve a helping hand.” For more information or to sponsor Aimee please visit

Lilly Uganda London

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/AndrewRayner82


www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/rafikirunners

The Martins - Rosie, 24 Ella, 22 and Will, 20

Siblings Rosie, Ella and Will Martin originally from Sherborne, Dorset, are running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon for Macmillan Cancer Support. Rosie, Ella and Will’s mother Sand died in March 2014 after a three month battle with ovarian cancer. Before her diagnosis, Sand ran for at least 20 minutes every day for 365 consecutive days. She ran in England, Ireland, Greece, Morocco and Sierra Leone to name a few. Rosie says: “We’re running the London Marathon in the memory and spirit of our Mum and to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. We want to highlight the amazing work that Macmillan does and to raise as much money as possible so that people like us can continue to receive the support we need. “We can’t wait to cross the finish line and know that we will be helping people just like us whose lives are affected by cancer.” For more information or to sponsor Rosie, Ella and Will please visit www.justgiving.com/REWMartin

Macmillan Cancer Support

Sherborne, Dorset (Rosie and Ella now live in London and Will is studying in Newcaslte)

Tom Pope, Emma Pope, Laura Collins and Joe Hulme

Tom Pope will run the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon with his sister Emma, cousin Joe and close family friend Laura in memory of Tom and Emma’s mum Jane, raising money for MS-UK who supports people affected by multiple sclerosis. Jane was diagnosed with a neurological condition on her 50

th birthday and was medically

retired in 2008, at which point Tom decided to run the London Marathon for the first time. “I never really understood why people took up running; I had always played football instead. Then I realised I wanted to do something positive and put a smile on Mum’s face. “I wanted to make it (running the London Marathon) personal and I knew that running on

MS-UK

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/rafikirunners

http://www.justgiving.com/REWMartin


behalf of MS-UK would mean I could make a real difference. Mum always got involved – she was never the ‘ill’ person in the family. By running I could make Mum proud and live life for both of us. With the encouragement of her family and friends, novice runner Emma signed up to run the London Marathon alongside her brother, cousin and friend. “We are all part of an online group - Tom, Joe, Laura and I - and we cheer each other on to keep going. Whenever I run, I get an image of Mum running next to me. It is comforting and I know I am putting my energy into something good. We’re all doing the London Marathon to honour Mum. It keeps her alive.”

Kenny Smith, 44 Kenny Smith will be running his tenth London Marathon when he laces up his running shoes on 26 April 2015 for the 35

th running of the race.

Kenny is running for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust in memory of his sister Kathleen who passed away in late 2014, and is planning to make this his final farewell to the London Marathon. “April 2015 will be my final London Marathon and I plan to sign out in style. Filling out my pledge form for the very last time has brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. Every single time I line up at the start I am full of butterflies and nerves. “The crowds all around the route are shouting your name which gives you the strength to keep going; the MS Trust Cheering Squads really go wild, doing all they can to lift your spirits and push you ever closer to the finish line. It has been a pleasure running for the MS Trust for ten years.” For more information or to sponsor Kenny please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/kennysmith

Multiple Sclerosis Trust Chichester

Nick, 39 and Nick and Kit Pope will be running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon in memory of Pancreatic Cancer UK Wheathampstead,

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/kennysmith


Kiersten, 40 Pope

their good friend Harry, who died of pancreatic cancer aged just 39. Together they are aiming to raise £10,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK. Nick says: “My Mum, my aunt and Harry, my friend of 30 years, have all died of pancreatic cancer. I am running the 2015 London Marathon to honour them. I’ve never run a marathon before and I’m working hard to slim down and speed up.” Kit says: “I will be running the 2015 London Marathon inspired by the strength Harry and his family have shown. For him and his unstoppable spirit, we will run.” For more information or to sponsor Nick and Kit please visit www.justgiving.com/Nick-Pope1

Herts

Tom Ward, 32 Tom Ward is taking part in the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon, a week after his 32nd

birthday, to raise money for the PBC Foundation in memory of his mum, Dot Ward who passed away in March 2014. PBC, Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, is a rare genetic auto-immune disease which affects the liver and damages the bile ducts leading to scarring/cirrhosis, and can be fatal. Tom has set up the ‘Dotathon’, a fundraising initiative that involves various challenges and events, culminating in Tom’s first attempt at the London Marathon. “My fantastic mum, Dot, sadly died in March 2014 having suffered from PBC for half her adult life. Dot courageously battled her PBC, two liver transplants, subsequent kidney failure, diabetes, hepatitis B, osteoporosis and finally severe hepatic encephalopathy. “Continued research into this disease has led to better medical treatment in the last two decades. As well as providing information and support services to those affected by PBC, the PBC Foundation funds research into preventative measures, treatments and the hope of finding a cure.”

PBC Foundation – Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

Walthamstow

http://www.justgiving.com/Nick-Pope1

http://www.justgiving.com/Nick-Pope1


For more information or to sponsor Tom please visit www.justgiving.com/wardymarathon.

Team Finlay – Richard Brambly, 58 Colin Dow, 50 and Stephen McNicol, 52

Richard Brambly, Colin Dow and Stephen McNicol will be running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon together to raise money for the charity RP Fighting Blindness. Stephen’s son Finlay suffers from retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an inherited disease of the eye which gradually leads to a loss of sight and blindness. Twelve year old Finlay was diagnosed two years ago and Team Finlay has been formed to help raise money for the charity that has supported Finlay and his family since his diagnosis. Finlay said: “Richard, or Mr Brambly as I should call him, is the Deputy Head Teacher of my school and it was he who had the idea to support RP Fighting Blindness by running the marathon. Colin is the Dad of one of my best friends and has been a great supporter of Team Finlay since 2013. “Steve is my Dad. He has run three London Marathons before but as he says, ‘that was some time ago’. He has often said that he would like to run another marathon before his legs get too old. “I am very proud of Mr Brambly, Colin and my Dad for running the London Marathon for Team Finlay and RP Fighting Blindness.” For more information or to sponsor Team Finlay please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/teamfinlay15

RP Fighting Blindness Wimbledon

Ben Harris, 23 Ben Harris is running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon in memory of his mum, Angela Ringsell, who sadly passed away when Ben was only a small baby. At the time of Angela’s death she was training for the London Marathon and hoping to raise money for an animal charity, and Ben feels it is only right that he runs the London Marathon this year in aid of the RSPCA to honour his mum’s memory.

RSPCA Denham, Buckinghamshire

http://www.justgiving.com/wardymarathon

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/teamfinlay15


“I have been given the opportunity that she had taken away, and in her memory I promised to not only complete the London Marathon but raise as much money to help an animal charity in dedication to her memory.” For more information or to sponsor Ben please visit www.justgiving.com/Ben-Harris12.

Liz Edwards Liz is running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon for the charity Scope in memory of her niece Laura who died from her severe disabilities at the age of 17. Liz has also been on a life-changing journey in her mission to run the London Marathon for the first time. Having taken up running in 2009, Liz has lost over five stone and has gone from a size 22 to a 10-12 in just 18 months. Now at the peak of her fitness, Liz is a far cry from the “overweight mum” she used to be and is preparing to run the London Marathon for the first time. For more information or to sponsor Liz please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/LizzieEdz3

Scope Hale, Cheshire

Lorna Brokenshire-Dyke, 37

Lorna Brokenshire-Dyke will be taking on the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon in April with her husband James as part of a campaign called Seb’s Legs, to raise vital funds for their young son. Seb was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy Spastic Diplegia at 15 months old. He has difficulties with muscle control, balance and coordination. His legs have a tendency to be stiff and go rigid in extension, particularly when he is tired or working hard. “Our aim is to raise £70,000 for Seb to have life-changing SDR surgery which will remove or reduce the spasticity in his legs so that he can move more freely. The money raised will pay for the surgery, aftercare, a prolonged course of intensive physiotherapy and any specialist equipment he might need. “As part of our fundraising campaign, we will be running the Virgin Money London

Seb’s Legs Cambridgeshire

http://www.justgiving.com/Ben-Harris12

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/LizzieEdz3


Marathon together three-legged! Adults with Cerebral Palsy Spastic Diplegia have described the feeling of tightness (spasticity) in their legs like rubber bands constantly holding back their full range of motion. This is what we imagine it feels like for our son and so, in support of his daily struggles to do even the simplest of things, we will endeavour to disable our legs in the way that his are.” For more information or to sponsor Lorna and James please visit www.justgiving.com/threeleggedmarathon

Mark Leith and Sam AndrewS

Cousins Mark Leith and Sam Andrews are running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon together to raise money for a charity they hold dear, Special Olympics GB. Early in 2014, Mark and Sam lost their much-loved grandfather, William Moir-Porteous, also known as Bill. Bill was a long-term member of the Special Olympics GB, which uses sport to help children with learning disabilities overcome various obstacles. Bill spent 25 years as a coach and eventually treasurer at the Special Olympics GB. “Grandad was a very influential person in both of our lives and we very regularly attended training sessions with him and Special Olympics. It is a charity very close to our heart,” commented Sam. “It wasn’t until after he passed away that Mark and I realised that we needed to do the London Marathon together for him.” For more information or to sponsor Mark and Sam please visit https://rtov.everydayhero.com/uk/samsmarathonchallenge or https://rtov.everydayhero.com/uk/marksmarathonchallenge

Special Olympics GB London

Vicki McLean, 37 After shedding an impressive 10 stone, Durham University Hospital A&E sister Vicki McLean will be taking on the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon for the very first time.

St John Ambulance Bowburn, Durham

http://www.justgiving.com/threeleggedmarathon

https://rtov.everydayhero.com/uk/samsmarathonchallenge

https://rtov.everydayhero.com/uk/marksmarathonchallenge


The novice runner, who had a gastric bypass in May 2013, took up running in January 2014 to get fit and lose weight. She will run to support the life-saving work of St John Ambulance. “I hope anyone who obtained a place in the ballot, without choosing a charity to support, will now join me in fundraising for the nation’s leading first aid charity.

“As a sister in a busy hospital, I work alongside St John Ambulance first aiders and ambulance staff and they are also present at events delivering first aid help where it’s needed, including my eldest daughter’s ballroom dancing competitions! They do an amazing job and I’m delighted to raise money to fund their life-saving work.” For more information or to sponsor Vicki please visit www.justgiving.com/Vicki-Mclean2.

Ursula Martin, 37 Ursula Martin is running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon for St Michael’s Hospice as their ‘Local Champion’, and in memory of her much-loved and missed sister-in-law, Sophie Watts. St Michael’s Hospice was awarded a charity place in the London Marathon and they then began their search to find a ‘Local Champion’ to run for them and raise much-needed funds. Fundraising Manager Paddy Nugent says: “We wanted to find the person with the biggest heart, a member of the community who had a personal reason for taking on the challenge. We are delighted to have awarded the place to Ursula.” Ursula’s sister-in-law Sophie died in June 2014 aged just 29 and spent her last days being cared for at St Michael’s Hospice. “Our whole family was shocked and devastated when Sophie was diagnosed with a terminal illness. I’d known her since she was a teenager when she used to visit us in Chester. “She was a very special part of our lives and I feel so privileged to be running in her name. It’s also a fitting way to give something back to St Michael’s Hospice and say thank you for

St Michael’s Hospice

Chester

http://www.justgiving.com/Vicki-Mclean2


doing an amazing job in looking after Sophie and the rest of our family.” For more information or to sponsor Ursula please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/UrsulasMarathonMadness.

Jane Sutton Jane Sutton will be running her first ever marathon at the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon and will be doing so to raise money for the charity Teenage Cancer Trust. Jane is the mother of teenager Stephen Sutton who sadly passed away aged 19 years old in May 2014 after battling cancer for over four years. Stephen was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a form of bowel cancer, aged 15 and battled the disease courageously. Rather than spend his final years beaten by his illness, Stephen wrote a “Bucket List” of 46 things he wanted to achieve before he passed away. His story went viral with the help of support from celebrities including Jimmy Carr and Jason Manford. ‘Stephen’s Story’, as it became known, continued to grow and his fundraising total has now reached an incredible £4.5 million for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Before Stephen passed away Jane promised her son she would run a marathon and so will be making her debut in London on 26 April. “I have been inspired by my son Stephen. Hopefully I can continue Stephen’s legacy which was ‘We can do it’. We can raise that money. We can all inspire others to give and we can all make a difference. It would also be fantastic if I could inspire others to decide to run the marathon. “By raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust, I know I am helping to transform the lives of young people living with cancer. Every pound raised really will make a difference.” For more information or to sponsor Jane please visit

Teenage Cancer Trust Birmingham

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/UrsulasMarathonMadness


www.virginmoneygiving.com/StephenSutton

Deborah Blackman, 39

Deborah Blackman will be running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon for her young daughter Darcy who suffers from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), and is looking to raise money for the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice Trust. Darcy was diagnosed in May 2012, aged 3 years old, and has since gone through three years of gruelling chemotherapy. “I found my strength in the usual places – family, friends, and supporting organisations but most of all in running. I found great peace in pacing the streets, switching off from all the stresses of looking after a sick child. “The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice has always been there to support not only Darcy but my whole family, and especially Darcy’s older brother Toby. “The hospice has been instrumental in supporting us through this journey and it’s crucial that it has the funding to continue to provide its vital services to other families with children who have life-threatening conditions.” For more information or to sponsor Deborah please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/DeborahBlakeman.

The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice Trust

Cheslyn Hay, Cannock

Mike Chandler, 58 Postman Mike Chandler has run the London Marathon 14 times and is aiming to make the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon his fifteenth consecutive London Marathon in support of the breast cancer support centre, The Haven. “I will be running my fifteenth consecutive London Marathon because, quite simply, it is regularly the best day of my year. It is so moving, so uplifting and deeply satisfying on all levels. “I’m running for The Haven because I see first-hand the incredible work they do. The Haven

The Haven Hereford

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/StephenSutton

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/DeborahBlakeman


provide expert care, support and counselling for breast cancer sufferers and their families, something that was completely absent for my family when my mother died of breast cancer aged just 38 years old. “The Haven provides this care for free and I have at least six colleagues at the sorting office whose partners/relatives are currently benefiting from their services.” Over 14 years, Mike has so far raised a staggering £250,000 and counting. For more information or to sponsor Mike please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/MikeChandler

Adam Samuel, 33

Adam Samuel will be running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon for the Katie Haines Memorial Trust in memory of his sister. Katie died on 18 February 2010 from an accidental carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty boiler at her Wokingham home. Her new husband Richard was also poisoned but he survived. They had only been married two months, and only recently returned from their honeymoon. “Following Katie’s death, Richard and my family felt we had to do something to prevent other needless deaths from this ‘silent killer’ so we formed The Katie Haines Memorial Trust. Since that time we have worked tirelessly to raise awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning. “Every time I put on my running shoes in preparation for the gruelling 26.2 miles, I think of my big sister Katie and she gives me the inspiration to carry on.” For more information or to sponsor Adam please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/AdamSamuel

The Katie Haines Memorial Trust

Currently living in Spain

Chris Burt, 35 At the age of 35, Chris Burt was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma, a rare type of non- The Leukaemia & London

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/MikeChandler

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/AdamSamuel


Hodgkins lymphoma or a cancer of the lymphatic system. “At that point the world seemed to suddenly stop. I was admitted into hospital and spent the next four months going through treatment, which at some points was soul-destroying. “The experience I had at the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Unit was second to none at a difficult time. The staff were superb and pulled me through the numerous lows that came with the treatment and, if it wasn’t for them, I would not be here today.” Chris was given the all clear in April 2010 and will be celebrating five years clear at the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon. For more information or to sponsor Chris please visit www.virginmoney.com/ChrisBurt.

Lymphoma Unit, UCLH Charity

Robert Monk, 46

The 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon will be Robert Monk’s first attempt at a marathon and he is hoping to raise money for The Liam Fairhurst Foundation, a charity that helps disadvantaged young people in the UK, particularly those affected by an illness or disability. “I first became aware of the Liam Fairhurst Foundation after Alex Lister, the son of my close friend and work colleague, was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive brain tumour. “After Alex’s diagnosis, the charity stepped in to help fund a special family holiday. The support the charity has given Alex and his family has been amazing and has really helped them through some tough times. Not only do they help out with money for support like wheelchairs or last wishes, they also help to fund projects such as helping to fund a nurse for patients’ final few hours, days or weeks.” For more information or to sponsor Robert please visit www.liamfairhurstfoundation.com

The Liam Fairhurst Foundation

Cambridge

Jordan Silver, 23 Jordan Silver, a type 1 diabetic, will be taking on the challenge of running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon for local charity The Michael Green Foundation, in memory of close family friend Michael who died of a heart attack in December 2012.

The Michael Green Foundation

Watford, Herts

http://www.virginmoney.com/ChrisBurt

http://www.liamfairhurstfoundation.com/


Michael’s death, linked to Type 2 Diabetes, inspired his widow Joanne and daughter Natalia to set up the Foundation in his memory and raise awareness of the symptoms and warning signs of Type 2 Diabetes.

“The charity I am running for this year is extremely close to my heart. The main reason I am running is in memory of Michael Green.

“Michael was a very close family friend and one of the funniest, friendliest human I have come across. Unfortunately Michael passed away over two years ago due to Type 2 Diabetes and his family (wife and daughter) set up the charity in his name and have done an amazing job already raising a substantial amount of money.”

Jane says of Jordan: “He is living proof that diabetes does not have to control your life. He is a shining example to people living with diabetes of what you can achieve.” For more information or to sponsor Jordan please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/JordanSilver

Emily Stott, 25 Emily Stott will be running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon for the RNLI, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. When Emily was 10 years old, her older brother Jimmi had an epileptic fit while surfing off Watergate Bay, Newquay. The RNLI lifeguards on duty rescued him, successfully resuscitating him. Sadly he slipped into a coma and died five days later. But Emily is forever grateful for the time the RNLI lifeguards allowed her and her family to say their goodbyes to Jimmi. “My other two brothers and I have taken part in half-marathons and other fundraising events to raise enough money to buy an Inshore Rescue Boat which is used by lifeguards on Crantock beach. We named it after my brother, Jimmi.

The RNLI Guildford

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/JordanSilver


“As it is coming up to 10 years since my brother passed away, I would like to keep his memory alive by running the London Marathon and raising up to £14,000 to put towards saving more lives.” For more information or to sponsor Emily please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/EmilyStott

Libby Makinson, 28

Libby Makinson is running her first marathon at the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon for the charity RNLI, Royal National Lifeboat Institution. “The RNLI rescued my brother when a yacht he was on ran aground a few years ago. My dad and brother are both keen sailors, and my brother is chief mate in the merchant navy for his day job too, so it’s nice to know a big orange lifeboat could be there if they ever needed it to be.” For more information or to sponsor Libby please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/libbymak

The RNLI West Hampstead

Julian Colborne-Baber, 38

Julian Colborne-Baber will be running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon to raise money for The Royal Marsden Hospital who cared for his daughter Steffi after she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) in November 2013. ALL is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow and Steffi’s diagnosis when she was just 23 months old was a life-changing moment. “Life has changed so much and Steffi has been through so much. Her treatment is intense; some days are good and some less so, but she is showing remarkable courage and humour throughout her ordeal. “On Monday 20 April, I will run the first of ‘Seven Marathons in Seven Days’, finishing at the London Marathon on 26 April. Whatever pain I have to overcome to complete seven marathons in seven days will be nothing compared to what my beautiful daughter has

The Royal Marsden Hospital

Leatherhead, Surrey

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/EmilyStott

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/libbymak


bravely faced. “Over the last 50 years, the cure rates for ALL have improved enormously and that is due to the amazing research and education carried out by cancer centres such as The Royal Marsden.” For more information or to sponsor Julian please visit www.justgiving.com/JCB7marathonsin7days/

Claude Umuhire, 23

Claude Umuhire is running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon for The Running Charity (TRC) who helped turn his life around after his family fled the Rwandan Genocide. At 18 Claude left home to go to university but struggled to support himself financially. After becoming homeless he ended up turning to night buses, friends’ sofas and shelters for refuge, and spent the rest of the time sleeping rough on the streets. Claude joined TRC’s inaugural programme in 2012 after battling homelessness for eight months. The charity, which engages the UK’s homeless and vulnerable people in regular running-based activities, helped Claude take control of his life again. “TRC helped me see a way out of my situation. I didn’t think I’d ever get out of homelessness. Over time I achieved a goal, for example completing a 5k run in 20 minutes, I grew confident in my ability and self-worth. “TRC helped me realise that I can use that to help get myself back on my feet. With running, just like in life, you only get back what you put in, but you will always need someone to guide you and that’s what TRC did for me.”

The Running Charity London

Guy Watt, 44 Guy Watt will be running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon for the charity PHAB, chosen by his daughter, and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance after they helped save his life in 2014.

The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and the children's charity PHAB.

Warwickshire

http://www.justgiving.com/JCB7marathonsin7days/


“I gave the London Marathon News magazine to my daughter Bailey and asked her to find me a charity to run for. She chose PHAB and said I should run for them as it would mean something to me because my eldest daughter has learning difficulties.” Guy is not only running to raise money for a very worthy charity, he is also running after a life-changing car accident in January 2014 meant he was unable to run the race that year. “My life changed on 31 January 2014. I was driving home from work on the M45 towards Dunchurch, just 5 minutes from home, when I aquaplaned and hit a tree. I woke up in hospital 14 days later in the critical care unit at the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire. I had sustained multiple injuries, including a displaced fracture of my right femur, broken pelvis, sacrum, shoulder ribs and foot. “Thanks to the work of the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, police and the NHS, I survived. I am now aiming my rehabilitation and training towards the 2015 London Marathon, having made a promise to the people who cared for, supported and rehabilitated me that I would run the marathon in their honour.” For more information or to sponsor Guy please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/GuyWatt

Kym Beacham, 37, Kym Beacham will be running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon to raise money for Tommy’s, the baby charity. Kym is running for Tommy’s after experiencing many years of unexplained and heartbreaking miscarriages. Having never been offered a clear explanation for her miscarriagesand taking up running to help her through her grief, Kym has chosed to run the London Marathon to help fund medical research into pregnancy complications. “After my last miscarriage I felt like I needed something to focus on to stop me slipping into depression. All of our friends who know our story have been massively supportive and we’ve raised over £3,000 already, and I’ve got a team of 10 people coming down to cheer me on!”

Tommy’s Bromsgrove

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/GuyWatt


For more information or to sponsor Kym please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/KymBeacham

Martin Fahey, 29, Martin Fahey is running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon to raise money for Tommy’s, the baby charity. Martin is running the London Marathon on what would have been his son Alfie’s 12

th

birthday. Alfie was stillborn due to placental abruption and Martin, now married with two children, has brought his family up to always remember Alfie and is expecting a large number of friends and family to support him on Raceday. “When I got a place with Tommy’s and saw the date of the race, I knew it was meant to be. I’ve applied before for a ballot place and not succeeded, so this feels special. “Dealing with a death, especially the death of your baby, is devastating. I became a man at 17 with everyone looking at me for guidance; I somehow held it together and came through this tragic time with the help of friends and family. But many people don’t have that support, which is why the work that Tommy’s does is essential. The advice and care they offer and the research they do to reduce stillbirth deserves as much support as possible.” For more information or to sponsor Martin please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/MartinFahey

Tommy’s Surrey

Michael George, 35,

Michael George and his brother Lee are running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon for Tommy’s, the baby charity, after Michael and his wife Gemma lost their daughter Jemima to stillbirth in October 2014. Michael has set himself a fundraising target of £15,000 and has already raised over £10,000. Between them, Michael and Lee hope to raise a total of £20,000 towards Tommy’s medical research that will prevent babies being stillborn.

Tommy’s Essex

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/KymBeacham

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/MartinFahey


“When Jemima was born our lives changed forever, but not in the way we were anticipating. Nine months of excitement were replaced with what shall be a lifelong journey to embrace the sorrow and deep-rooted loss for our perfect daughter. Having to deal with the loss of our first child has made us determined that other families should never have to endure such pain. “Raising money will help keep her memory alive and fund research so others don’t have to suffer such heartache.” For more information or to sponsor Michael please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/MichaelJGeorge

Karen Watson, 50 Karen Watson is running the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon for the first time in April to raise money for the charity Young Minds. Karen’s teenage daughter Poppy was diagnosed with early onset bipolar disorder in 2013 aged 13. Since then Poppy and her family have received support and guidance from Young Minds, the CAMHS (Child and Adult Mental Health Services) team in Lewisham and the National Early Onset Mood Disorder Clinic in Maudsley. “Running the London Marathon will help raise awareness of early onset mental health difficulties beyond our close family and friends. Fundraising will hopefully help Young Minds continue to provide valuable information, advice and support improving the mental health and emotional wellbeing of young children and adults. “Running for Young Minds for Poppy is about hope – mental health disorders do not have to prevent these youngsters from leading full lives and achieving their goals.” For more information or to sponsor Karen please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/karenwatson114

Young Minds London

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/MichaelJGeorge

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/karenwatson114

Virgin Money London Marathon Human Interest Stories 2015

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Transcript of Virgin Money London Marathon Human Interest Stories 2015