If you have secured a place in this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon and you’re interested in using your place to raise money for charity, then Haven House Children’s Hospice would like to hear from you.

Haven House, in Woodford, cares for children with a life-limiting illness and their families in North and North East London, West Essex and East Hertfordshire. The hospice is looking for runners who were lucky through the ballot to join their team and support the charity at the iconic event on Sunday 28 April.

Last year, volunteers representing the charity raised £40,000 and Haven House is keen to beat that total at the 2019 event, which would go to support our many hospice services such as music therapy and our outreach hospice at home services.

Katie Tyler, Events Fundraising Manager, said: “We really look forward to the London Marathon each year. We currently have a team of six running for Haven House and we can’t wait to cheer them on around the 26.2mile course. We can see lots of runners are out now training and we really are keen to hear from those who haven’t yet decided on a charity to support.

“We are dedicated to making the most of short and precious lives through the provision of the best possible hospice care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions. The care offered at Haven House is not just about medical and nursing support, but about enriching the lives of the children and their whole family. Our services are free to families who need us.”

Haven House must secure £4.4 million each year to run its services. Of this only around 19% is funded by the NHS or local authorities. Runners who have their own place are not required to raise a specific amount.

Runners will receive a Haven House running vest and full support from the events team including; training, nutrition and fundraising tips and injury prevention advice. The hospice’s fantastic cheering squad will be en-route at Mile 16 supporting runners to cross the finish line.

Katie continued: “Whatever they raise will be greatly received and will enable us to make every precious moment count for our children and families who are facing their toughest days. We simply could not support the children and families who need us without people fundraising for us.”

For more information contact Katie Tyler on 020 8498 5849 or email [email protected]