Four runners took on one of the world’s most iconic marathons in aid of Rockinghorse, raising more than £7,000.
For most marathon runners, the London Marathon is the pinnacle of all the challenge events that it’s possible to be part of. Not only does it give every participant the chance to run the same route as the elite runners around the stunning backdrop of one of the world’s most beautiful cities, but the atmosphere is like no other event.
So many of the runners have really amazing and moving stories to tell about how they got to the start line and why they have chosen their particular charity to support, making the London Marathon the biggest annual one-day fundraising event in the world.
And this year’s race was no different. The four runners taking part in aid of us this year all had an amazing experience and some inspiring stories about why they were running to fundraise for us.
Ceri Andrews raised over £1800 in her fundraising. Ceri is a Paediatric doctor who works closely with children and families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
“Every day, I see how vital charities like Rockinghorse are in helping to create a more positive, comforting, and child-centred hospital experience. The difference that your funding makes, from essential medical equipment to play resources and family support, is truly transformative.
“It was such a pleasure running the London Marathon for Rockinghorse. Knowing I was doing it for such an amazing charity honestly kept me going the whole way.
“The atmosphere from the crowds, people shouting ‘Go Rockinghorse!’ and having that extra motivation of running for such a wonderful charity made all the difference. I have loved being able to support you and share the amazing work you do. I am so grateful to everyone that has donated.”
Another runner, Tom McPhee, as he and his family have been long-time supporters of
Rockinghorse, organising and running numerous fundraising events in Eastbourne.
Tom manged to raised over £2,500 and he had a fantastic experience at the marathon. He said, “Running the marathon was incredible, one of the best and hardest things I’ve ever done. Brilliant weather bordering on too hot at times, but London looked beautiful and the crowd support was overwhelming and amazing.
“I felt very lucky to be flying the flag for Rockinghorse, heard lots of “Go Rockinghorse” cheers along the way – thank you so much for this very special opportunity. I’ve already entered the ballot for next year!”
And Dr Anna Ridgewell undertook her second marathon for Rockinghorse, having run the Brighton Marathon in 2016 after her daughter had a stay at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and I had seen first-hand what a huge difference Rockinghorse makes to the children who are on the wards.
“My daughter benefitted from toys, activities and sensory areas which helped to make her stay far less scary and more reassuring for us too, from the moment she was admitted, to the day that she was discharged.
“My daughter is now 11, attends appointments at the Alex every year and is due to have surgery there this month. Our regular visits and recent pre-op visit to the Alex always remind me what a fantastic job Rockinghorse does at supporting children and their families who find themselves in hospital.
“In 2026 it will be ten years since I ran the Brighton marathon, and running London, once again supporting Rockinghorse, was the perfect way to mark this anniversary and to say a big thank you to such a wonderful charity that has supported my daughter over the last decade.”
After the race, she said, “I completed the course in 4 hours and 21 minutes, which was only 15 minutes slower than when I ran the Brighton marathon for Rockinghorse in 2016 – a time that I was very happy with, especially considering that it was a really warm day and I had a slightly dodgy knee going into the race!
“On the day I decided not to push myself and just to focus on enjoying the event and soaking up the atmosphere. I’m really glad I made that decision, as I doubt I will ever have this chance again.”
Our Fundraising Manager Jules Billings was really impressed with their efforts and of course, how much they raised for Rockinghorse.
Jules said, “I’m so proud of all our Rockinghorse runners who took on the mammoth challenge of the London Marathon this year.
“It’s a huge accomplishment to not only commit to the training, but to undertake such a huge race, and they’ve raised an amazing amount that will make such a big difference to babies, children, young people and families all across Sussex.”
If you’ve been inspired to fundraise for us, we always have lots of challenge events going on that you can sign up for to fundraise for us, so why not take a look at our Events page to find out more or contact Jules at jules@rockinghorse.org.uk or call us on 01273 330044.
