Stroud Runner to Compete in the TCS London Marathon to Raise funds for longfield
Longfield Community Hospice is thrilled to have a small team of runners, representing them in the TCS London Marathon on April 27th.
Lizzie Sutton was inspired to run the marathon for Longfield Hospice after experiencing the expert care her family received during her father’s battle with cancer, before he sadly passed away in March 2024.
Throughout her father’s illness, Lizzie moved back home to help care for him alongside her Mum, and members of the Longfield Hospice at Home team. Reflecting on this experience, Lizzie said: “What we really appreciated was how the carers took the time to learn about Dad’s interests and spend time talking to him about the things he loved – fast cars and motorbikes. It wasn’t like strangers coming in and doing this personal care; they made the effort to get to know Dad as a person.”
Training for the marathon has been both challenging and rewarding for Lizzie. She has committed to running three times a week, in addition to attending the gym once or twice a week. “Training is hard but it’s going well,” Lizzie says. “I’m doing this to make my Dad proud. He used to come to all my running races. We lost my nan shortly after Dad died, and the marathon falls on her birthday, so it feels extra special.”
Longfield has two bond places for next year’s marathon. Apply here if you are inspired to do the same as Lizzie and raise money to help provide palliative care to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses, as well as wellbeing and bereavement support to local families.