Those of you who know us will know that we have been on an amazing running journey since completing the couch to 5k back in May 2021 with East Grinstead Runners.  Despite never feeing like “real runners” (!!) we have kept challenging ourselves to get better at running, and the benefits that running has brought to both of us have been life changing.

We were so enthusiastic about running that from our armchairs we entered the 2023 London marathon ballot, assuming that we would not get in (places are like gold dust!). We pledged as always to support each other in the unlikely event that one of us got a ballot place, we committed to both enter and raise money for charity ………

………Fast forward to Monday 24 October when Sally fell off her chair to find out that she had defied the odds and been awarded a ballot place in the 2023 London Marathon!!  It took a good couple of hours for her to pluck up the courage to tell Natalie about it!

In keeping her promise to Sally, Natalie promptly applied for a place with St Catherine's Hospice and was lucky to get the charity place that same day.  We will both be running the London Marathon together on Sunday 23rd April 2023 which will be a MASSIVE challenge for us both!

We could not be more happy than to be raising money for St Catherine’s Hospice in Crawley, a charity very close to Natalie’s heart.  We will be running in memory of Natalie's dad Alan Bainbridge, who was cared for at the hospice in 2004.

Natalie’s story:

 “In late 2002 my dad Alan Bainbridge was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, which shook our whole family. As Dad’s condition deteriorated, it was such a challenging time for our family trying to care for Dad at home. In summer 2004 Alan was admitted to St Catherine’s hospice, which was against our expectations such a light, positive and comfortable place. St Catherine’s provided fantastic care and support to Dad and our whole family until he passed away in August 2004. 

The difference for our family and for Dad before and after he was admitted to St Catherine’s was like night and day. The staff gave Dad the most incredible care, and also supported my Mum, my brother and I at our darkest time. To take on running the London Marathon as part of the St Catherine’s team is a huge privilege for both Sally and I. We hope to raise lots of money to ensure that the hospice can continue to provide support to thousands of families like mine in their time of need.”

St Catherine’s Hospice in Crawley is a local charity with a big ambition – to make sure nobody faces death and loss alone. The hospice relies on donations to offer pioneering end of life care and support to people in Sussex and East Surrey. Any donation you can give will mean a lot to us and make a direct difference to families facing terminal illness. St Catherine’s has never needed our support more. 

Training for a running our first marathon will take a huge amount of self belief, determination and many, many long dark training runs! If you are able to spare a few pounds to support us then we would be extremely grateful and it will really spur us on during our training.

Thank you 

Natalie and Sally xxx