Meet Weston Hospicecare’s 2026 London Marathon Runners!
The London Marathon is one of the world’s most iconic running events, bringing together tens of thousands of runners each year to take on the famous 26.2‑mile route through the heart of the capital.
This year, we’re incredibly proud of our runners who are taking on the London Marathon in support of Weston Hospicecare. Here, we’ll be introducing the inspirational individuals behind the miles, sharing their stories, motivations and the reasons they’ve chosen to run for our hospice.
Rich Brunsdon
I am running for a Charity which is very close to my heart as they cared for my Dad who sadly passed away of Cancer.
Weston Hospice made what was a very difficult time for my Dad and all of the family and friends just that little bit easier.
The work they do for every person who is linked to their care is unprecedented and I have never seen care like it. They always go above and beyond for every patient.
I know there are many of you out there who have also experienced how amazing they are and I hope you can all give what you can to support this charity by donating to my page. Every little makes a big difference.
I know money is tight for everyone but knowing your helping others who are is need makes us all feel good.
Holly and Ryan Elkins
Myself and Ryan will be taking on the challenge of the London Marathon in memory of my beautiful Mum, who spent her final days in the care of Weston Hospicecare. Until Mum became ill, we didn’t truly understand the incredible work hospices do — or how much families like ours need them. When caring for Mum at home became too much, we made the call to Weston Hospicecare, and from that moment on, they were nothing short of incredible. They kept Mum comfortable, welcomed us at any time, and made sure we had the space and support we needed to simply be with her. Their kindness didn’t end when Mum passed; they continued to support our whole family with compassion and care.
Weston Hospicecare provides specialist palliative care to people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as emotional, psychological, spiritual, and practical support for their loved ones. Only 20% of their funding comes from the NHS, meaning they must raise £5.5 million each year to continue their vital work. We can honestly say we will be forever grateful for what they gave us in Mum’s final days, and now it’s our turn to give back.
I have always dreamt of running the London Marathon — and together, we will be doing it for this amazing charity. Next year, Mum would have been celebrating her 60th birthday, so it feels like the perfect time to take on this challenge in her honour. I know she would’ve been there at the finish line cheering us on, and that thought will carry us every step of the way, along with your donations. Please, if you can, dig deep and help us raise as much as possible so that Weston Hospicecare can continue to support the families who need them, just like they did for us.
Click here to support Holly and Ryan.
Benjamin Goodrum
I’m running the London Marathon in memory of my darling Mum, Louise (Lou) Goodrum, and to raise money for the wonderful hospice that took care of her.
Last year, seemingly out of nowhere, Mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The disease progressed quickly but throughout, Mum showed incredible strength and bravery. The NHS cared for her well at first, but rapidly changing circumstances meant that Mum needed more specialised care – something the NHS could not provide. Thankfully, a place at Weston Hospice became available.
Immediately you could see the impact the specialist care and dedication of Weston Hospice’s staff and services had on Mum and us as a wider family. We cannot thank them enough for the dignity, support and care they gave Mum and us as a family – something they provide to all coming through their doors and have done throughout the years. They really were incredible.
During this time, Mum encouraged me to keep up my training for the Brighton Marathon – and my completing it an achievement I know she would have been proud of. However, in honour of mum I’d like to go one better a run the London Marathon, reach or surpass my target time of 3h30 and, in the process, raise vital funds for this incredible charity. Inexplicably, hospices are not part of the NHS, nor do they receive sufficient funding to cover the cost of the care they provide from the taxpayer. Therefore, every year, they rely on donations to enable them to do what they do best – provide support to individuals and their families at the time when they need it most.
Across 14 years, my school friendship group have regularly tried to raise money for Weston Hospice having seen the impact their services have locally. However, this time my fundraising endeavour is particularly personal and supporting the hospice is something I intend to carry on doing into the future.
So if you can, please do donate to this page. Beyond this event, if you get an opportunity to here and there, please donate, it is worth it.
Click here to support Benjamin.