We’re incredibly proud of the runners who were representing our charity and our Trust in the London Marathon on Sunday 26 April.

Four runners, two staff and two relatives grateful for the lifesaving care their loved ones received, collectively raised almost £9,500 for the King George and Queen’s Hospitals Charity, while three colleagues from our Pharmacy department also took part.

Pharmacist Katie Walford (below) completed her first ever marathon to raise money in memory of her friend Abbie, who died of cancer when she was just 22 in 2019. She ran with her partner Jacob and between them they’ve raised over £5,000 for Marie Curie.

Katie, who has already entered the ballot for a place next year, said:

I wasn’t a runner but I wanted to do something in memory of my friend and if I was raising all this money, I wanted it to be challenging. I thought as I couldn’t even run up the stairs before without getting out of breath, this would be the biggest challenge, and it definitely was!

At Abbie’s funeral she asked us to wear yellow; and I ran the marathon in yellow, it felt like a fitting tribute and was nice for her family. Running the marathon was the best day of my life, the crowds and the atmosphere were amazing. I was running beside so many great people, it really is the best of Britain.

Katie’s colleagues Vincent Swann (below left) and Hannah Dalton (below riight with brother Patrick) took part after securing places in the marathon ballot, whereas our other runners secured charity spaces. Hannah, who is partially sighted, also completed the marathon last year.

           

 

Also running was Barbara Kasumu, our charity’s own Interim CEO, she said:

It was an epic experience and a real privilege to do for our charity. The atmosphere was incredible from start to finish. It was definitely a huge physical and mental challenge. Adjusting to the heat and, my legs cramping at mile 22! But seeing my family and the team along the route kept me going. Knowing I was running to support our patients, families, and staff got me to the finish line.

A huge thank you to everyone who donated, sent messages of support, and cheered us on. Your support helps us continue making a real impact.

Barbara is pictured above.

Another first-time entrant who has already applied for next year is Gemma Blackabee, PA to our Chief Nurse. She took part to give back to our charity after 15 years at our Trust, as well having all three of her sons at Queen’s Hospital.

Gemma (above) said:

It was amazing, there were thousands of people. I started to doubt myself on the start line and felt I wasn’t going to be able to do it but as soon as I started, the crowd got me through, though it got tough around mile 23.

My partner Rob and eldest son Archie came to cheer me on. Archie complained his legs were killing him after all the walking he did – I couldn’t believe it! It’s given me a love of running as it really helps clear my head and I’m hoping to do the Southend half-marathon in June.

Father-of-two Ollie Durham, who ran with wife Terri (pictured above), took part to thank the staff at our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Queen’s Hospital, where eldest son Oscar spent 73 days after being born at just 27 weeks.

He said:

It was an amazing experience! It was very tough but all the support from friends and family along the way helped and pushed me to the end.

Chloe Brewster (below) ran the marathon to give back after her grandfather had lifesaving cancer surgery in 2020 – allowing him to attend her wedding this year.

She added:

I had the most incredible experience. From start to finish I was smiling and really taking in the atmosphere - it was amazing to be part of something so special, and to support such a great charity.

Seeing my family and friends along the route gave me such a boost, and being surrounded by so many inspiring participants made it even more memorable. The London Marathon crowd just cannot be beaten. Afterwards I was feeling incredibly grateful, so proud of myself, and inspired.

If Chloe and co have inspired you, the King George and Queen’s Hospitals Charity has opened application for one of four spaces to raise money for them in the 2027 London Marathon.