Our runners spend hours training, pounding the streets, bridleways and paths in the months running up to the big day.

And once they stand on the start line of the world’s most famous road race, they are doing so to support our care.

Every step they take, event they organise and penny they raise means we can be there for local people facing heartbreak.

They really are our fundraising heroes.

Grab a cuppa, take a seat and be inspired by our #TeamSevernHospice marathon runners – they are awesone!

Find out why they are running, who they are running for and what motivates them on their training runs.

Danny Mills – running in memory of his dad, Pete

I feel so privileged and proud to be able to run the London Marathon in support of the Severn Hospice who provide such amazing  care and support.

I am running in the memory of my dad, Pete, who spent his last weeks being cared for at the hospice and where he and all his family and freinds were supported so kindly by the amazing nursing staff.

To think that the hospice would not exist without donations and fundraising is unbelievable – it’s such an important and amazing support for everyone who needs it and who is facing heartbreak.

I started running  about three years ago, when I hit the big 5-0 to get fit. I wanted to challenge myself, so entered the London Landmarks Half Marathon to fundraise for Cancer Research. It was a big effort but it was such an amazing feeling to get over the finishing line. The atmosphere and the crowds along the route were amazing and really spurred me on.

I’m trying to get as fit as possible so I can enjoy the day and am really looking forward to running up The Mall to the finishing line. The pain and suffering I will have to go through to get fit enough to get it done is nothing compared to what my dad endured and I will use that as my motivation.

It is amazing that I can fundraise for Severn Hospice who I will always be so grateful to by running the iconic London Marathon. To support Danny click here

Adam Whitrick – running in memory of his dad Mal

Ten years ago, my dad, Mal, spent his final days in the care of Severn Hospice. The compassion and dignity shown to him, and to us as a family, will stay with me forever. Severn Hospice gave us comfort during the hardest time of our lives, we’ve supported the hospice ever since but now I feel it’s time I gave something back in a big way.

Now it’s my turn to run the London Marathon, on Sunday 26 April 2026, I’ll be setting out to complete the most emotional and physical challenge I’ve ever done.

To donate and support Adam, click here

Elly McGrath – inspired by her dad Paul

Severn Hospice cared for my dad for five weeks in the summer of 2012, when we lost him to cancer. I was 14 at the time and will forever be grateful for the care and dignity that my dad was given. Although it was an incredibly tough time, the hospice gave us a safe space to spend time with our dad and create memories which we hold very close to our hearts.

The London Marathon was on my dad’s bucket list and my goal is to run it for him. One of my last memories of my dad before he was diagnosed is him running Market Drayton 10km without any training because someone had said they didn’t think he could. We look back at this time and realise he was actually incredibly unwell, and that has always been an inspiration for me in taking on new challenges with absolute determination as well as a lesson learnt on the importance of training. 

My dad was such a determined person who always rose to the challenge whilst maintaining a sense of humour, which is my goal throughout marathon training. Being able to do this for my dad means the world to me and motivates me through long runs in the rain! 

I have enjoyed running for the last few years, ever since my friend Jess dragged me out on a 10k and taught me that running slow and steady is so much fun, however I would have strongly described myself as a fair-weather runner until now. I have done a two half marathons and doubling that distance feels like a big but exciting challenge. 

I am sure that crossing the finishing line on the Mall will be an incredibly emotional moment! It will be a huge achievement and I know my dad would have been incredibly proud. It will be great to see my mum and sister at the finish line and hopefully someone will be able to carry me to the pub!

It is an honour to be able to raise money for Severn Hospice and they are an absolutely inspirational organisation full of wonderful people who do the most amazing work. 

Inspired by Elly? If you want to support her, donate here

Liz Crewe – running for her father-in-law, Trunce

2019 is when I was first introduced to Severn Hospice.

After a brave and courageous battle with cancer my father-in-law, Trunce, was admitted to the hospice at Bicton and spent his final hours being cared for by the incredible nurses.

Nothing was too much trouble and for me, personally having never experienced a hospice, it was genuinely nothing liked I’d imagined.

It was peaceful, dignified and the staff were so compassionate…We were not rushed and it’s the little touches that we’ll always remember.

When he gained his wings, a flower posy was placed on his pillow and we had time to be alone with him

Since then, myself and Trunce’s youngest son (my fiancé) have supported Severn Hospice and will continue to do so

I am over the moon to be running the 2026 London marathon on behalf of the hospice.

Trunce didn’t get to finish the race – but I will on his behalf 

Liz needs your support – click to donate

Emily Hughes – running for her auntie Sarah

Severn Hospice cared for my auntie after her battle with ovarian cancer in 2022, and the compassion, dignity, and support they gave her — and all of us as a family — went far beyond anything we could have hoped for. Their work makes an immeasurable difference to people at the most difficult times in their lives, and running this marathon is my way of giving something back in her memory and honouring the care she received.

I’m not an experienced runner by any means. Before starting this journey, the furthest I’d run was a 5k at parkrun, so going from that to 26.2 miles is a huge personal challenge. There will no doubt be tough training days, sore legs, and moments of doubt, but remembering why I’m doing this will keep me moving forward.

I’m incredibly grateful for the support around me — from my mum, my sister, my wider family, and especially my uncle Rob, who ran the London Marathon in 2023 for Severn Hospice. Following in his footsteps makes this challenge feel even more meaningful. Knowing I’ll have friends, family, and supporters cheering me on every step of the way will make all the difference when the miles get hard.

When I reach the finish line, it won’t just be about completing a marathon. It will be about doing something positive in my auntie’s memory, raising awareness of the vital work Severn Hospice does, and hopefully helping them continue to support other families just like mine.

Every mile I run is for her, and for everyone who needs the care and comfort Severn Hospice provides.

To support Emily, click here

Rachael Ganderton – running for friends and family

My connection to Severn Hospice spans more than two decades, and the care they have given my family is something I will never be able to repay.

My first experience of the hospice was back in 2003 when my gran received support at the Shrewsbury site. Later, during Covid, my grandad spent his final days at the Telford hospice — and because of their compassion and the facilities there, we were able to be with him at a time when hospital restrictions would have kept us apart.

The hospice also cared for my mother‑in‑law, Karen, giving us precious time with her and providing a level of support and dignity that my family will always be grateful for. Over the years, more friends and extended family members have needed the hospice too, and every experience has reinforced just how vital their work is.

I will forever be indebted to Severn Hospice. So pushing myself to run two marathons, I will be running the Manchester Marathon and then the London Marathon, on consecutive weekends feels like the very least I can do to give something back to the place that has supported my loved ones through their hardest moments.

Every mile is a thank you — and a tribute to the incredible care the hospice gives to families like mine.

To support Rachael, donate and read more of her story, click here