The 2020 London Marathon will be a race like no other that’s for sure!  With the Covid-19 pandemic affecting so many aspects of our lives, it means that our cohort of amazing runners running in the name of Cornwall Hospice Care will not be pounding the capital’s streets this year.

Instead, they will be running their own routes closer to home individually, so please give your encouragement, cheers and sponsorship to them, running their own races without the roar of the crowds – a tough battle in itself.

Richard tells us; “Like many others, my marathon plans this year have been disrupted and this is an opportunity to complete the challenge of 26.2 miles while raising some much needed funds for a local charity.

The work the hospice do is so important to so many, and any support I can raise for them will be well worth the effort.”

Thanks Richard and Good Luck!

I decided to run for Cornwall Hospice Care because I wanted to support and raise awareness of an amazing local charity with a deep and meaningful relationship with the community. It cares for people in Cornwall who are in urgent need of help, both physically and mentally. In these challenging times I feel it’s really important to support CHC to ensure it can continue to offer it’s vital care in the future.

Good luck Dan!

Mel is our very own Events & Community Manager and will be completing the virtual marathon with her partner Mark. She says: Even funnier than me running a Marathon over a month is the idea that I might achieve this in one day. If you know me, the only running I do is towards Sauvignon Blanc. I was presented this opportunity just a week ago and I thought it once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m going for it. I’m taking the chance to raise funds for Mount Edgcumbe and St Julia’s when they are facing a funding crisis this winter. I’m running for Andrea, my friend, who lost her battle 5 years ago in Mount Edgcumbe, I have her dog, Kelly, we chat about her most days, they loved each other hugely. And for my father in law David who passed away in Mount Edgcumbe just last month. There are many other friends whose lives the Hospices have touched in the 40 years they have been open and I would ask you now to support the Hospices so that they can continue to provide the same care for others.

Good luck Mel!

Clive says; “I started running in June 2019 when I joined the Looe Pioneers Running Club.  I ran my first marathon in December 2019 (the Cornish Marathon) in 4 Hours 20min, it was hard lol.  I’ve recently run the Saints Way Challenge on the 6th September 2020 in 5 hours. I shall be running this run in memory of my Dad (Jim) who died 2 years ago from Cancer.  I believe Cornwall Hospice Care is a very important caring service in our part of the country, which provides specialist care for people with terminal illness and support for their families.

Thanks Clive and  Best of Luck!

Kirsty told us; “Cornwall Hospice Care is close to my heart as my mum was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer on May 1st 2019, she spent the last 4 days of her life in Mount Edgcumbe Hospice sadly passing away on May 18th 2019.  The care and respect my mum and our family received was totally amazing.  I promised my mum every race I ran would be for her and if I could raise money for the Hospice I would.  I ran the 2015 London Marathon with great support from my mum and family who helped to fundraise then!

So it seemed perfect to run a Virtual London Marathon   I have also run the Virtual Great North Run this month for Cornwall Hospice Care in honour of a very dear friend who sadly lost her life to cancer earlier this year and also spent time at the same hospice.  Can’t wait to be part of this amazing race!”

All Good Wishes to you Kirsty!

Here’s Amy’s story…

“I have never run a marathon before, but couldn’t turn down the amazing opportunity to run it virtually; while raising money for such a great cause!

I know personally, from having a loved one spend their last moments there, that you are in the best hands at Cornwall Hospice Care – so to be able to raise money and make a difference has inspired me to reach the finish line. I’m so grateful for the opportunity.”

Best of Luck to you Amy!

Here’s Liz’s inspiration…

“I am running in memory of my dear friend Ben Cray. Ben passed away on 5th February 2019 after suffering a long-term condition for many years. His last days were spent in the safety of Mount Edgecumbe Hospice in St Austell Cornwall. Although he wasn’t there for long, I know that to Ben and his family, being admitted to the hospice at the very worst time imaginable, brought a lot of relief for them all, knowing that professional, skilled, experienced, compassionate people were there to support and guide them through the most difficult part of their journey.

The hospice has also provided much needed support in the weeks and months that followed Ben’s passing and the family were very grateful for this.

In March 2019, I felt compelled to apply for a marathon place with the charity, as I could see the sadness and devastation that his passing had caused and wanted to turn such sadness into something positive. So here I am, cap in hand, hoping that people that I know will help to support me.”

Thank you Liz and Good Luck!

Here’s Nick’s reason why…

“I am running my first ever (virtual) marathon on 4th October for Cornwall Hospice Care as my dad, Bernie, contracted Mesothelioma in 2016 and spent his last days in Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in 2017. I was touched by the level of care and respect shown to him and my family during the last few days of his life. It made a terrible time easier to bear for all of us, and I would like the chance to give something back.

Sadly since I signed up to this I have lost a friend, Lee Turner to cancer. Lee passed away in August and was a patient at Cornwall Hospice Care too. He wanted people to support Cornwall Hospice Care in his memory. The money I raise really will make a big difference to them – due to the Covid-19 pandemic they have been forced to cancel many events this year, which makes public support absolutely vital for them.”

Best of luck to you Nick!

Claire told us;  “I am running the London Marathon 2020 to support the amazing Cornwall Hospice Care – please help me to support this great Cornish charity!  Bit of a change of plan 😂 I will now be doing the London Marathon virtually on the 4th October in & around lovely Padstow!

Charities – especially smaller ones – are really struggling after recent events so any donation no matter how small will make a huge difference.  The support from everyone makes it sooo much easier!”

Thank you Claire and Good Luck!

Oli is our very own Head of Fundraising and told us; “Put simply, Covid has been devastating. For Cornwall Hospice Care it has changed how they fundraise and how they can keep beds open, pretty important when throughout the pandemic they have been at full capacity helping as many people as possible… beds have been full!

So, as I can do something about this, I’m going to run the actual London Marathon (a dream of mine) to raise some much needed funds, so those in their hospices now, or in the future, can get the help and support they need and the care they deserve in their last days.  Help me to help keep beds open.”

Best of Luck Oli!

Jodie tells us; “I will be running the virtual London Marathon with my best friend Kath, supported by our husbands, who have both overcome serious health conditions during the past 18 months. Thankfully, they are now fit and healthy.

This made me think what support networks are around. Cornwall Hospice Care provides vital professional care and support for families in Cornwall.  Running a marathon is my way of helping out in a small way by raising money for such a worthwhile cause.”

Best of Luck Jodie!

Mark will be taking part on Sunday with his partner Melanie.

Thank you and Good Luck Mark!

Good Luck Mark!

Here’s Jacqui’s reason why; “Hi my name is Jacqui and despite running the London Marathon in 2017 and saying I would never run it again I am.

I decided to run for Cornwall Hospice Care as it has helped family and friends and I feel that it is such a good cause that making the effort to run a Marathon is well worth it, as they do such good work and have touched the hearts of many people. I also have the privilege of running with my running partner for the same charity and keep her company through her first Marathon.”

Best foot forward Jacqui!

Here’s Jacqueline’s story;

“I am running the VLM in memory of my lovely Mum this year for the 2nd time. Mum was the most caring loving, funny person, the centre of our family, who was taken away from us far too early 2 years ago with Cancer. Cornwall Hospice Care took care of my Mum in her last 6 days of life making it easier and comfortable in a very homely environment. As well as caring for Mum they were also ensuring my Dad, Brother and myself were coping, providing comfort & Support for us. They only receive 20% Government funding & I want to make my Mum proud and help to ensure they can continue to provide the excellent service we received to others in the future.”

Thanks & Good Luck Jacqueline!

Lynne tells us; “I will be running/walking this in memory of both my Mum and my Dad, both of whom we lost as a result of cancer.  We were lucky enough not to need the fantastic support of a hospice for either of them, but these guys do a fantastic job and need our support to enable them to do their best for our loved ones.”

Thanks Lynne and best of luck!

Anna says; “So, I got a St Austell Running Club ballot place for London 2020 – uh oh!  I have never done a marathon so it’s going to be lots of training, park runs and probably cursing but I know you lot will all be behind me!

Cornwall Hospice care is a 24/7 Cornish charity that provides specialist care for people with terminal illnesses.  The clinical team support patients and their loved ones at Mount Edgcumbe in St Austell and St Julia’s in Hayle and also in Cornwall’s hospitals, care homes and community.  Just £20 will fund 1 hour of nursing care at this fabulous charity and 2020 is the 40th year of hospice care in Cornwall – with your help and support we can keep the beds open to people who really need it in Cornwall.”

Thank you Anna and Good Luck!

Alison tells us; “I must be mad but I’m going to run the 202 London Marathon!!  I’m supporting our local hospice here in St Austell. I ’ve been a keen runner for the last 8 years but have never taken on a marathon.

For those of you who don’t know, Cornwall Hospice Care provides specialist care for people with terminal illness 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

Thank you Alison and best of luck!

Here’s Claire’s reason why… “I am very lucky to have had my name drawn out of the ballot to run the 2020 London Marathon for Cornwall Hospice Care.

This is an amazing charity that supports and cares for people and families affected by terminal illness so I am going to raise as much money as I can to support this valuable service and help kick cancers ass.  Please dig deep and help me help others, every penny is gratefully received and pounds are even more welcome!”

Thank you Claire and best of luck!

Grant tells us;  “This is a huge challenge for me, I was a newbie to running up until 18 months ago, having been persuaded by a friend to take part in the Heartlands Parkrun last year. Eventually our times started to improve and after some deliberation, we decided to sign up to the Plymouth Half Marathon in 2019. I was delighted to get around in a modest time, as I was looking to complete rather than compete.

Having a taste of the emotions of the day, the supportive crowd and the comradery among the competitors (having run a few miles with a hot dog and being overtaken by a storm trooper), I was keen to tackle the streets of London, having watched for many years the big one on the TV thinking “I should apply for that one day” . I’m extremely excited about the prospect of running 26.2 miles, whilst raising a substantial amount of money for a local Cornish charity, and hopefully inspiring a few people along the way.”

Good luck Grant and thank you!

Here’s Kath to tell you more;  “The Virtual London Marathon will be my third marathon after taking part in the London marathon last year as my first. I’ve completed virtual races during lockdown where you accumulate the distance over weeks rather than doing it in one run. I wanted to take on the challenge of running a marathon for Cornwall Hospice Care because it is an amazing local charity that provides wonderful support for both patients and their families at difficult times. When I’ve visited Mount Edgcumbe through my work as a pharmacist I’ve always noticed the peaceful and calming atmosphere as soon as you walk through the doors. I’m proud to be raising funds for this vital charity and feeling both excited and extremely nervous about running a marathon on Sunday!”

Good luck Kath and thank you!