“My granny was cared for with such compassion and dignity by an incredible team, and I’ll always be grateful for the comfort Royal Trinity Hospice gave her and our family. Running the marathon is my way of saying thank you and helping others receive the same care”

Having never run further than 7km before, Amber’s decision to run the London marathon is more than just a personal milestone. She is running to honour her granny, Gail.

Previously a volunteer, Gail supported Royal Trinity Hospice, giving back to others and helping her local community. And following a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, we were there for her in her final weeks, where she received care at home from the Trinity team.

Experiencing hospice care first-hand has given this marathon deep personal meaning for Amber. Running is her way of honouring Gail’s memory, thanking the team who cared for her family, and giving back to the charity that Gail herself once gave her time and energy to. By running the London Marathon, Amber is helping ensure other families can receive the same care when it matters most.

“Trinity’s care meant a great deal to us during what was an incredibly difficult time. They helped provide compassionate, professional support for my granny at home, which allowed her to pass away in a place where she felt safe and comfortable, surrounded by family. 

But it wasn’t just about the care they gave her. They also supported us as a family - emotionally and practically - during a time that felt overwhelming and uncertain. They brought a sense of calm and reassurance when we needed it most and helped us navigate something that no one ever really feels prepared for.”

Hospice care plays a vital role in supporting people living with life limiting illnesses, helping them to live as well as possible for as long as possible. Around 85% of our patients receive care in their own homes, allowing them to remain surrounded by what’s familiar and comforting. Our community nursing team alone made 2,708 home visits last year, alongside providing round‑the‑clock specialist care to 332 people in our inpatient unit. Our teams are there every step of the way, not just for patients, but for the people who love them too.

“I think hospice care is arguably one of the most meaningful forms of care there is. It’s about making the hardest moments in life more bearable. It’s about dignity, comfort, compassion, and support - not just for the person at the end of their life, but for everyone around them. Trinity made an unimaginably difficult time feel lighter, kinder, and less frightening.”

To continue providing our vital, free care to people across London, we need to raise £13 million every year. Fundraising is absolutely essential to everything we do. Without the commitment and generosity of our supporters, we simply wouldn’t be able to be there for patients and families when they need us most.

Taking on a challenge like the London Marathon is about more than just the miles or the finish line. Knowing that every step is helping to fund compassionate end of life care can make even the toughest moments feel worthwhile.

“Signing up for a full marathon definitely feels like stepping into the unknown. It’s exciting, but also a little daunting. I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and take on something that felt meaningful, and this felt like the right kind of challenge to do that.”

We’re incredibly grateful to Amber for choosing to support Royal Trinity Hospice in this way, and we wish her the very best of luck on marathon day. If this story has inspired you to take on your own challenge event, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Visit our challenge events page to find out how you can make a meaningful difference.

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