A local woman is preparing to run the London Marathon this weekend, inspired by the extraordinary courage of a two-year-old she teaches and the life-changing care he receives from Haven House Children’s Hospice.

Lucy Benson, 39, who runs Hartbeeps multi-sensory music classes in Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell, Epping, Loughton and Woodford, will take on her first ever marathon on Sunday, with one very special motivation in mind: Marley.

Lucy first met Marley through her classes, and over the years has watched him grow while seeing first-hand the challenges he and his family face - and the support they receive from Haven House.
 
Just before his first birthday, Marley was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease - a rare, life-limiting genetic condition. Some of the symptoms include being overly startled by loud noises, developmental delays, low muscle tone, difficulties with swallowing, vision loss and seizures.

“Marley and his family have received incredible support from Haven House, which has provided them with a calm, tranquil space during challenging times,” she said. “He especially enjoys the therapies on offer, including music therapy, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy.”

It is Marley’s resilience that has carried Lucy through the demands of marathon training.

“On the hardest days, I’ve thought about Marley - his bravery, his strength, and everything he overcomes. He’s been my ‘why’.”

Mum-of-one Lucy describes the marathon journey as both physically and emotionally challenging, but also deeply rewarding.

“The excitement for the London Marathon has been building for months, but it’s tangled up with a quiet, persistent nervousness that never fully goes away,” she said. 

“Early mornings became routine, waking up before the city stirred, lacing up my shoes in the dark, and putting in the miles when no one else was watching. There were practice races that tested my limits, moments where I doubted myself, and others where I surprised myself. Along the way, I found more than just endurance, I found a community - new friends who understand the highs and lows of training, who show up and push forward together.”

Among those friendships is Haven House’s physiotherapist Donna. The pair met through the hospice and are now close friends and are set to complete the 26.2-mile challenge side by side. Taking on the marathon marks a significant personal milestone for Lucy, who admits she never saw herself as a runner.

“As a young girl, I remember watching the marathon on TV and being in awe of those who could complete it. Now, I’ll be one of them.”

Lucy has also found a strong sense of community through local running club Orion Harriers, where she has built lasting friendships and discovered a passion for running that she hopes will continue long after marathon day.

She added: “I’m excited for the big day and hope I make everyone proud. Thank you so much for all the support and donations - it truly means everything.”

Haven House supports around 450 seriously ill children and their families across North East London, West Essex and East Hertfordshire, providing respite care, specialist therapies and compassionate end-of-life care.

As Lucy takes on the 26.2-mile challenge this Sunday, it is Marley’s courage - and the community behind her - that will carry her every step of the way.

Support Lucy's Marathon Donation Page