As the London Marathon approaches, the excitement isn’t just about the race itself; it’s about the incredible individuals who are lacing up their trainers for causes close to their hearts. Let’s hear the motivations of three of our London Marathon runners from 2024.
Meet Jasmine
Jasmine, from Flackwell Heath, is running for Helen & Douglas House because of the wonderful care her brother Charlie and the rest of the family received from the hospice.
Jasmine’s brother, Charlie, has a rare form of muscular dystrophy called Muscle Eye Brain Disease which he has had since birth. Now 23 years old, Charlie is the happiest, liveliest young man who lives life to the full. Despite requiring 24/7 care, Charlie loves going out to safari parks, watching pantomimes and dancing along to Disney songs.
Jasmine said:
‘We were introduced to Helen & Douglas House many years ago and it changed our lives. Charlie was able to go and stay at the hospice for respite, and we were allowed to stay with him too. He received the most exceptional care during his stays at Helen & Douglas House and he loved his time there. He has countless happy memories including late-night ice cream shop trips, splashing the staff in the therapeutic pool and even answering office phone calls. Charlie still remembers the big red front door and we fondly remember walking through that door and instantly relaxing. Helen & Douglas House gave us a chance to create memories as a family without worrying about Charlie’s care needs as the incredible team at Helen & Douglas House took care of everything.’
Meet Chloe
Chloe, from Reading is running the London Marathon for Helen & Douglas House because of the care the hospice has given her family over the years. Chloe’s sister Lotte came to Helen & Douglas House for respite care for over eight years. Lotte was diagnosed with Lennox Gastaut Syndrome at just four and half years old, which means she has frequent seizures and requires 24/7 care.
Lotte, who is now 26 years old is very creative and loves arts and crafts. Despite requiring 24/7 care and suffering with seven different types of seizures a day, Lotte has the most beautiful, brightest and sassiest soul and lives life dancing along to Disney songs with a huge smile on her face.
Chloe said:
‘We were introduced to Helen & Douglas House many years ago, and our lives completely changed. They were there for our whole family when we needed support. Lotte was able to go and stay at the hospice in Oxford for respite, and we were even allowed to stay too. Lotte was cared for spectacularly well and she adored her time there. She got to do whatever she wanted whilst under excellent care. There was also a support group for siblings, which my sisters and I valued greatly. I am running the London Marathon to raise awareness for this incredible charity, as without their help, we would certainly be in a different place today. It costs millions to keep this hospice open each year, and raising awareness and money for this charity means the world to me and my family. They changed my family’s lives and I am eternally grateful for that.’
Meet Becky
Becky is running the London Marathon in memory of her stillborn son Nathan who would have been 16 years old in 2024. Nathan was born in July 2008 at just under 30 weeks. He was born with Edward Syndrome, which means he had an extra chromosome. Nathan was taken from the John Radcliffe Hospital to Helen & Douglas House where he stayed in the Little Room before the funeral.
Helen & Douglas House provides care and support for the whole family. Becky said:
‘They provided counselling to my husband and I and our eight other children who all struggled at times. They supported us all and were also a great support to our children during a difficult time. I have also had friends who have been supported by Helen & Douglas House too so know from them and personally the massive difference Helen & Douglas House makes to people’s lives.’
