We were delighted to see one of our incredible supporters take on the London Landmarks Half Marathon in unforgettable style - dressed as the much-loved children’s character Bluey, and raising more than £1,600 for our hospice.

Sam Crisp, from St Albans, completed the 13.1-mile challenge in a full-size Bluey mascot costume, turning a simple fundraising idea into an extraordinary feat of endurance and ingenuity.

Having signed up to run alongside a friend supporting Haven House, Sam quickly realised he needed a creative way to stand out. “No one was going to sponsor me just to run,” he said. “But they might sponsor me to suffer.”

While the costume itself was ordered online, making it wearable for a half marathon required significant adaptation. With the help of family and friends, Sam modified the suit to manage heat and weight - installing USB-powered fans, improving airflow and redesigning how it was supported to withstand hours of running.

"The race day proved unforgetable! The crowds were incredible,” Sam said. “Everywhere I went people were shouting ‘Bluey!’ - it really kept me going.”

Running with limited visibility and carrying the added weight of the costume presented constant challenges, including a near collision with another runner and a mid-race equipment scare when water spilled onto the battery packs powering his cooling system.

“If the fans had failed, I probably wouldn’t have finished,” he said.

Despite the obstacles, Sam crossed the finish line exhausted but elated, carried by the energy of the crowds and the knowledge he was helping to support the 450 seriously ill children and families who rely on Haven House across North East London, West Essex and East Hertfordshire.

Sam was one of 25 incredible runners who completed the London Landmarks Half Marathon for Haven House, each playing a vital role in raising funds to support our care.

Reflecting on his motivation, Sam added: “I’d trust my friend Helen with my life, so her choice of charity meant a lot - but the care Haven House gives has really stayed with me.”

As for whether Bluey will make another appearance, Sam is keeping his options open.

“I was hoping to donate the costume,” he said. “But I’ve already been asked about a triathlon - I just haven’t checked if Bluey floats yet.”