Hospice in the Weald supporters are both inspired by and running in the London Marathon

Memories of loved ones will keep Hospice runners moving as they take on London Marathon 2025

Cherished memories of loved ones will inspire many runners as they take on the London Marathon on Sunday, we have already featured James from Melina Joy Opticians and Leon from Heathfield who are all running this weekend for different causes. In this feature we are looking at some of those running in aid of Hospice in the Weald. The full list is also below.

Raising funds for Hospice in the Weald

With only a few days to go, dedicated supporters are urging friends, family, and locals to help them meet their fundraising targets for the Hospice, which provides free end-of-life care and support across Kent and East Sussex.

Rebecca Husarz, who chose to run for the Hospice in recognition of the care her mum Jacky received and for the support the Hospice extended to the whole family. Rebecca, of Hailsham, said: “It’s not until you go through the experience of losing a loved one that you truly understand what a hospice does. It was so comforting because family members could stay overnight. It felt like time stood still, creating space for us to be together. If you could say there’s such a thing as a good death, then my mum had a good, dignified death.”

Jessica Masters is running in memory of her great-grandmother Florence, her grandfather Graham, and her best friend’s father, Mike, who were all cared for by the Hospice.
“I am running for three different people, three different reasons but for one amazing cause,” said Jess. “For twelve years, I’ve supported the Hospice, but I’m now looking to say an even bigger thank you by running the London Marathon and raising as much as I can for this wonderful charity.”

A marathon bake too!

Along with miles of training each week, Debbie Scott, took on a ‘marathon’ baking session for an afternoon tea as part of her numerous fundraising efforts.
”You don’t realise how vital the work of a hospice is until you or a loved one needs its support and then it becomes everything,” said Debbie. “I’m not only running on behalf of the Hospice but also in memory of my brother Stephen who received the most wonderful hospice care before leaving this world far too early. Stephen supported me in everything. I’m going to run this race for him.”

Long-term supporter Charlotte Wassell, was delighted to secure a place to run in memory of her granny, cared for at the Hospice in 2017. Thinking about how her grandmother might have encouraged her, Charlotte, said: “I think my granny would have said ‘Eat as many biscuits and ice cream as you can – because you deserve it!’”

Reflecting on the many months of training, fellow Hospice Marathon runner Charlotte Cohen said: “Training has been tough, with long runs through the cold, wind and rain and a slightly dramatic fall which resulted in some steri strips on my knee. But the support from friends and family has been amazing and I’m incredibly excited for race day!”

Lisa Browning, Relationship Fundraising Manager at Hospice in the Weald, said: “These are just some of the incredible supporters who will be taking on the London Marathon in aid of the Hospice – we’d like to extend thanks and good luck to everyone running on our behalf.  Their personal experiences movingly convey the difference Hospice care can make at a time when families need it most. Every penny raised will help ensure Hospice in the Weald can continue to provide free care and support for our community, now and in the future.”

Anyone can donate to support the work of Hospice in the Weald