Bucks fundraisers go the extra mile for hospice charity

Supported by the hospice charity’s fundraising team, some of the runners taking part met up recently for a photo shoot and a team building session, enabling them to meet face to face for the first time.

Every runner is raising funds for Rennie Grove, a charity providing specialist care and support for adults and children with a life-limiting illness in Buckinghamshire and west Hertfordshire.

Among the charity's marathon team are runners from Bucks with a personal connection to the charity.

Dave Hilling from Hughenden Valley is running the marathon for a second consecutive year. He said: “I said never again but the last three months have felt very empty, lacking in purpose. My neighbour’s wife is now terminally ill, my mate’s dad is too. Both are being cared for by Rennie Grove. It reminded me that this is not about me or my Dad (who was cared for by Rennie Grove nurses), it’s about continuing to raise money for Rennie Grove to support friends, family and neighbours.”

Daisy Lord from Chalfont St Giles said, “My Grandma’s last wish was to die at home with loved ones beside her and this was all made possible by the Rennie Grove team. They were a godsend – we rang them at all times day and night and they were so kind and so knowledgeable. This is the perfect way for me to give something back.”

Since the first race was held in 1981, the London marathon has grown in size, stature and popularity. Now established among the major events in the sporting calendar, the London Marathon is shown on television in nearly 200 countries around the world with over a million runners completing the race.

Tracey Hancock, Director of Fundraising at Rennie Grove Hospice Care said, “We are so proud of our amazing team of runners who are taking on the Virgin Money London Marathon challenge to raise funds for Rennie Grove. They are all doing really well with their training and their fundraising but if anybody would like to donate to support them I know it would mean a huge amount to both them, and us. You can read more about each of the runners and make a donation by visiting the JustGiving page.”