Update: I was due to run the marathon in 2024 but unfortunately got injured… but the wonderful Ashgate Hospice deferred my place for me and I’m now back to full fitness and am running London Marathon 2025!

Every year I watch The London Marathon on TV and every year I say "I'd love to do that" … and now it is going to happen. Eeeeek!

I’m over-the-moon to have been awarded a place to run on behalf of Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield.

I did the Reading Half Marathon back in 2016 – but that’s about as far as my running career got. Life, and our two year-old daughter Amelie, have got in the way since and runs have been sporadic at best. But now it's time to lace up the shoes, put together a plan, and dedicate the miles to make sure I give the challenge my all. It’s one I’m approaching with nervous excitement, but one I’m determined to enjoy and conquer for such a vital cause.

None of us would choose to use a facility such as Ashgate Hospice. But the painful truth is that at some point in our life either we, or the ones we love, are going to need such specialist support.

Since moving to Chesterfield in 2016, I’ve seen first-hand the incredible level of care the staff and volunteers at Ashgate Hospice provide. And I’ve been blown away by the sheer devotion, love and care of the place which shines through during life’s toughest times.

My husband Sean’s auntie, Denice, and grandad, Dennis, have both received end-of-life care at Ashgate in recent years. And the personal care given to them by the amazing team at Ashgate Hospice not only made their final days more comfortable, but also provided much-needed support which our family needed at desperately sad times. We could not have been more grateful.

Media coverage shows us that Ashgate Hospice is the chosen charity of so many north Derbyshire fund-raisers. It’s more than a place, it’s a mission. But it has to be. Every year £8m is needed from public donations to allow its vital work to continue. So, I’m delighted to do my little bit to give back and to help continue the phenomenal work.

I’ve never done anything as big as this before. But 26 miles seems a small pledge to make to give my support… so, I’m asking you to help me. I need to raise £2000, and I really hope to exceed this as it is such a worthy cause and one close to my heart and the hearts of many who I care very much about. Thank you so much in advance for whatever you are able to give.

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London Marathon 2025’s #TeamAshgate is full of wonderful runners this year, all working hard to raise money for Ashgate Hospice.

We provide specialist palliative care for people with life-limiting illnesses across North Derbyshire. Ashgate hospice also provides support for the families of those we care for, and all our services are available in the community, patients own homes, and in our 21-bed in-patient unit located in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Help our team reach their fundraising targets as they take on one of the most iconic races in the world: The London Marathon!