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There are many islanders among the 90,000 people expected to stand on the starting line of the London Marathon this Sunday, while some will be getting involved virtually – Express spoke to them about their stories...
Here's what they had to say...
Karl is running the marathon dressed as a shoe, and he has been spotted on the Island, training in his costume. He is fundraising for Jersey Hospice Care.
Karl says: "My running challenge started in 2021 when a good friend's dad, Mr Alan Walters, sadly passed away in Jersey Hospice. I had the most fantastic experience running the London Marathon in 2022, it was a day I’ll never forget. I enjoyed it so much, I’m going again this year!
“I will laugh, smile ,dance and enjoy every moment of the 26.2 mile course".
You can support Karl here.
“As many of you know, both my parents sadly passed away at Jersey Hospice. Mum died in February 2008 of Esophageal cancer and Dad in August 2022 of Bowel Cancer. As I’m an only child, they were both my world and I miss them terribly. I’m finding it especially hard this time around after Dad and I want to try and turn my grief into something positive.
“I’m running the London Marathon in April 2023 to raise funds for the essential end of life care which Jersey Hospice provides. I am eternally grateful for how well they cared for my parents, both at home with the Community Nurses and at the end in Clarkson House. I am also signed up to receive Bereavement Counselling with Hospice and am grateful for the opportunity to do so. Running the marathon is a small way for me to say thank you for their loving care.
“I appreciate that times are hard for most, especially this year, but if you are able to spare any amount, however small, I would be very grateful for any donations you can make to sponsor me.I’m planning on doing some fundraising events along the way too.
“It costs £10,500 a day to run the in patient unit at Clarkson House alone. Any donations you can give would really help make a difference.”
You can support Fiona here.
Ben Hick (28) is running to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of receiving a life-saving stem cell transplant. He was diagnosed with Chronic Granulomatous Disease at the age of 3. After dealing with infections throughout his childhood, he had a successful stem cell transplant in 2013.
He said running the marathon would bring his journey full circle and added: “Knowing firsthand where the money goes and how valuable it is, and how brilliantly it is used and how much it will mean – I know it goes a long way, and that for me is a motivator.”
Ben is running the marathon for Anthony Nolan, a charity that matches stem cell donors with people who need a lifesaving transplant.
You can support his fundraising here.
Dan and Kiley will be walking 26.2 miles as part of the virtual London Marathon, which lets people take part at home and at their own pace, aiming to be more accessible.
They will be wearing squirrel ears and a tail.
They will be walking a 26.2-mile route from Acorn in Trinity, to Gorey, through St Aubin and up to Corbière.
For Dean, it is a chance to challenge himself after he broke his back last year. "I was off work for 10 weeks after a trampolining accident. Knowing what it was like first-hand to deal with the pain, slow recovery and frustration at wanting to get back to work gave me a personal insight into the challenges faced by some of the clients we work with.
"Walking 26.2 miles is going to be challenging, but I am motivated to do it to raise money and awareness about what JET does."
Kiley said she decided to join in after learning more about JET at the IoD event, specifically in relation to neurodiversity which is a subject close to her heart.
"I was impressed by the number of people that JET support in so many different areas, both at Acorn and in open employment," she said. Kiley is not a natural runner so walking the distance whilst raising money and awareness for Acorn is the perfect alternative to the marathon.
You can support Dean here.
Pictured: Chris Hamon trying on part of his squirrel costume.
Chris will be running the virtual London Marathon dressed as a squirrel.
He said: "My mum, Sue Moore, passed away three years ago but prior to this she was an integral part of the JET team. She was an outspoken advocate for believing that no matter what cards life dealt you, you should be given the same opportunities as everyone else. Probably because my brother, Matthew, has a learning disability and she saw the struggles he has been going through his entire life to be treated as an equal.
"The Jersey Employment Trust provides a comprehensive and bespoke employment and vocational training service to assist people with disabilities and long-term health conditions to achieve their employment goals.
"Acorn is a social enterprise which provides employment training and support for people with a range of disabilities and enduring health conditions, who might otherwise struggle to find employment in the open labour market.
"The training and placements that JET/ Acorn provide give people like my brother a chance to integrate into a work environment. It allows them to build up people and practical skills and to be part of a team."
You can support Chris here.
Retail Team Leader Michael Hampshire has been working at Acorn Reuse for nearly four years.
He said: "I was looking for a different challenge after working in retail and catering for many years. From day one I realised that Acorn is a totally unique workplace and I knew I’d made the right move.
"On the face of it, Acorn is a big charity shop but it’s so much more than that. The heart and soul of Acorn is about the people. It’s a community of totally non-judgemental staff and volunteers who all support each unconditionally. It’s a place where people with disabilities can come to work and thrive and grow in confidence and very often that hasn’t been the case for them elsewhere.
"So when the opportunity came up to participate in the virtual marathon I really felt I wanted to help raise some necessary funds for this amazing organisation."
There are buckets at the tills at Acorn Reuse for Michael’s sponsorship.
Twin sisters Nikita and Danielle are taking part in the Virtual London Marathon to remember their cousin Natalie, who lost a four-year battle with cancer in November 2022 at the age of 28.
Nikita says: "Natalie unfortunately lost her four-year battle with cancer in November 2022, at the young age of 28 years. We are continuing to do this in her memory and to support The Royal Marsden, a world-leading cancer centre.
"By donating to our page you are helping us keep Nat’s legacy and memory alive and helping to ensure our gorgeous cousin is never forgotten. Every donation helps to make a difference, so please support us however you can."
They are fundraising for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, which supports the hospital where Natalie received treatment.
You can support their fundraising here.
Ben Jones is in his 13th year of fundraising for Headway Jersey and this is his first marathon.
You can support his fundraiser here.
Though this is Jeff’s first marathon, he has been running for several years, taking part in ParkRun, 5km, and 10km events on the island.
He has taken part in the 10-mile Great South Run and the Great North Run half-marathon, and completed the Three Peaks Challenge and the Island Walk.
Jeff says: “Training for, and participation in The London Marathon 2023 (my first marathon) will be right up there with my past challenges, which have included the 48-mile 'Island Walk' and before that completion of the 'Three Peaks Challenge', conquering Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, all within 24 hours. I simply love a challenge, and all in aid of such a valuable cause!”
You can support Jeff here.
Henry says: “Jersey Hospice is a personal charity to myself as it is where two of my grandparents spent their final weeks. Jersey Hospice provided a peaceful environment for my two grandfathers, Tom Perchard and Anthony Wood to spend time with ourselves and for other visitors. The care provided from the nurses and other supporting staff was incredible and compassionate. The people who work tirelessly to support Hospice Cares around the UK are truly selfless and I am proud to be running on their behalf. I appreciate any donations to help this wonderful cause!”
Henry is fundraising here.
Joel is running for NSPCC Jersey, who protect children at risk of abuse.
He is hoping to complete the marathon in three hours and 30 minutes.
He says: "As a proud father of two girls, I can not think of a better charity to run for. I know I will go to some difficult painful places in my training and on the day, but if my run makes life better for just one child then it will all be worth it."
You can support Joel here.
Katie Roberts is supporting NSPCC Jersey and says: “My friends, family, James and my boys have already supported me hugely in preparing to undertake this mega challenge and I would be so grateful of your further support by sponsoring me just a tiny amount.
“Thank you so much, your support means a huge amount! I hope not only to achieve a personal goal I have had for longer than I can remember but also support the fantastic work NSPCC Jersey do in our community every day.”
You can support Katie here.
While preparing for the marathon, Nima held a brunch and silent disco to raise money for NSPCC Jersey.
He says: "I will be running my first ever marathon (and probably last) in my home city of London.
"Along the way, I am also hoping to raise as much money as possible for the Jersey NSPCC. Any size donation that you are able to make will be incredibly appreciated."
You can support him here.
Shaun says: "I have always wanted to run the London Marathon and the opportunity to run for a local charity that has provided essential support to friends loved ones is the perfect motivation.
"The fundraising activities have also made me aware of just how many people are supported by Jersey Headway as people donating would explain how they or their loved ones had been so grateful for the help they have received."
You can support Shaun and Headway Jersey here.
Shawn will be running the London Marathon, fundraising for the Inclusion Youth Project Jersey. The Inclusion Youth Project createsopportunities for young people with special needs, for example by running youth clubs and providing sign language courses.
Shawn says: “I have chosen to fundraise for the Inclusion Youth Project as my fiancée Sophie is the current Lead Youth Worker. The works she and the project does with and for young people with additional needs is truly inspiring and so I couldn’t think of a more deserving cause.
“I have been following an intense training schedule in the months leading up to the big event and would appreciate any donations made to my chosen charity – the Inclusion Youth Project.”
You can support Shawn here.
Gemma Neil says: "Sammy and I decided to take on a big challenge this year and run the Hospice to Hospice Half Marathon and the London Marathon 2023. We are both beginner runners and so it has been a very big challenge indeed! We have enjoyed the training and our family and friends have all been on board with supporting us on long training runs.
“We are privileged to be on the Jersey Hospice running team this year and have loved getting to know some of the other runners. We wanted to fundraise for a local charity, and Jersey Hospice is close to the hearts of many friends and family members who have needed their services at really challenging times in life. As an island we are privileged to have such a facility and we are thrilled to be supporting it through our challenge!"
Gemma and Sammy are fundraising here.
Ashleigh says: “On 23rd April I’ll be lining up on the London Marathon 2023 start line for Jersey Hospice Care.
“I’ve always said that I’d love to run a marathon one day and if it had to be any, it was always going to be London. The only thing I didn’t quite consider was just how far a marathon actually is! Last September when I ran my first half marathon, I clearly remember being 1 mile to the finish and having a good chuckle with myself about how ludicrous my thoughts/ambitions were of ever completing a full marathon.
“A few months later and here I am!!
“This will be a real challenge for me and it has taken some time to fully commit. I’ve questioned whether I have the time (and energy) to train around a job and the demands of three children under the age of 5. I’ve also questioned whether I even have the physical ability to make it through the 42.2 km. It won’t be easy for me but I’m so excited to give it my best shot.
“Aside from the personal challenge I have incredible motivation to cross the finish line as I am really honoured to be running for Jersey Hospice Care. Jersey Hospice Care is an incredible service on our island. A service that we are all likely to use or know someone who will require their services at some point.
“Jersey Hospice provided wonderful care to my grandmother. The same is true for some of my friends who have lost parents and loved ones too.
“Not only do they give the very best to our loved ones in their final days but Jersey Hospice also provides wonderfully compassionate aftercare support for bereaved families/individuals.
“Naturally, this essential service doesn’t come cheap. It costs over £20,000 a day to run the charity’s services and funding is hugely down to the generosity of islanders and their donations.”
Ashleigh is fundraising here.
Sarah says: “I am running the London Marathon to raise funds for Jersey Hospice Care because I passionately support the incredible, crucial and life-changing services and care offered to patients and their loved ones by Jersey Hospice.
“I spent quite a considerable amount of time at Jersey Hospice Care visiting a very special friend who received end of life care there. I was both amazed and comforted to witness the degree of care, both physical and emotional, tirelessly delivered by the Jersey Hospice Care team.
“More recently, we very sadly lost my dad, and whilst dad didn't spend any time under the care of Jersey Hospice, the incredible bereavement support services offered by the charity have been invaluable to my family.
“It costs just under £6 million each year for Jersey Hospice Care to provide its services and 92% of this is self funded, yet all the services offered to patients and their families remain free of charge.
“On a personal level, I'd like to complete the marathon in as close to 4 hours as possible but, really, I just feel blessed to be able to enter and to have met the incredible people that I have during this journey.”
You can support Sarah's fundraiser here.
“My family have personally been supported by Jersey Hospice Care when they took exceptional care of my Granny during the last few weeks of her life.
"All the staff at Hospice are extremely kind and caring to both patients and family's and without them and their hard work, support and incredible facilities I can't begin to imagine how much harder our family's situation would have been without their kindness and support.
"It will be coming up to the 10th year (May 19th) this year without my amazing Granny in this world, so, this one's for her."
You can support Honor here.
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