Your 2024 #TeamStAnns London Marathon runners
Cheer on your local runners who are taking on the London Marathon 2024 for St Ann’s Hospice tomorrow!
Every year thousands of people embark on the London Marathon, many raising incredible amounts of money for their chosen charity.
St Ann’s Hospice have some amazing supporters who want to share how the hospice has impacted their lives, and why they want to give back as they prepare to take on the challenge this month.
Nicola Bull has applied for the London Marathon ballot seven times so this has been on her bucket list for a long time!
Nicola says: “My dad passed away in 2014 and was cared for by St Ann’s during his final weeks. They made his time there so special, not only were they amazing with my dad but as a whole family they really supported us and helped us through what was and still is the most difficult time of our lives.”
Once I'd found out I had been offered a place for the marathon I was absolutely thrilled, my whole family were and I was fully supported by my fiancé and friends. I embarked on couch to 5K and my journey has gone from strength to strength. I'm doing this in honour of my dad who I know will be cheering me on and he would be so proud when I cross that finish line. Nicola Bull
Emma Barclay, Head of Clinical Services at St Ann’s Hospice, and her brother Jon Baker are also taking on the London Marathon.
We’re taking on this iconic challenge for St Ann's Hospice because we told our dad we would! We sadly lost our dad in June and will be running in his memory. We were lucky to be able to care for Dad at home in his final weeks, precious time we will cherish forever. The support that we received from the hospice sector at this time was exceptional. Dad loved the idea of us running it together to raise such valuable funds, we hope you do you proud Dad! Emma Barclay & Jon Baker
Lisa Warbrook is participating in the marathon after her mum spent her final days at our Little Hulton hospice site. Lisa says: “Mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer in May 2023 and given only a few months to live. Throughout her journey, St Ann’s Hospice provided unwavering support to my Mum and our family. They were there every step of the way, offering guidance, answering our questions, and providing comfort.
“When the time came for my Mum to be admitted to the hospice, it brought us immense relief knowing that she would receive the best possible care. After my Mum passed away in July, I felt a strong desire to give back to St Ann’s Hospice.”
Lisa has already raised over £1,550 for St Ann’s, after running 100 miles in five days after her mum passed away. She hopes to raise an additional £1,550 from the marathon.
It is an honour for me to run in the St Ann's Hospice vest and support this incredible charity. I want to express my gratitude for the support they provided to my mum, myself, and other family members. Their care and compassion made a significant difference in our lives. I know that my mum would be immensely proud as she was a long-time supporter of the hospice. Lisa Warbrook
Rosie McNicholls is running with two of her family members and previously worked as a staff nurse at the Heald Green site for over two years.
I occasionally still work at St Ann’s so I appreciate the importance of raising vital funds to support patients and their families in their most difficult times in life. Rosie McNicholls
Belinda and Stephen Neild are avid runners, with Belinda running an ultra-marathon just two weeks after the London Marathon.
I’m using the marathon as a training race to prepare me for the Pennine Barrier Ultra 50 marathon! My mum was a patient at the Little Hulton site of St Ann’s Hospice before she passed away at home in 2011. My father-in-law and aunt have died at the hospice since, with lasting connections being made between our family and St Ann’s. Belinda Neild
Belinda is running the London Marathon dressed as Forrest Gump – aka ‘Belinda Gump’! She has previously run marathons (and set Guinness World Records!) for the hospice dressed as a pencil, a crayon and a Rubik’s Cube.
In total Belinda and Stephen have raised nearly £30,000, and they’re hoping that the London Marathon will take them to this target.
To support any of the amazing supporters that are taking on the London Marathon for St Ann’s Hospice, please click here.