Jane Elmer - Why I'm running the London Marathon for Saint Francis Hospice

Jane Elmer is celebrating 20 years of caring for people at Saint Francis Hospice by running the London Marathon. Here Jane shares why she has taken up the 26.2-mile challenge!

When I joined the Specialist palliative community nursing team at Saint Francis Hospice in 2005, I’d already spent 15 years working in palliative care.  

What the hospice gave me was a team dedicated to providing kind and compassionate holistic care to individuals in the community, whilst also acknowledging the pressure and worries their loved ones were going through.  

20 years on, I continue to enjoy what I do and everyday coming to work is a positive experience, no matter what challenges the day may bring.

I’m not a runner so the London Marathon is a mammoth challenge. I’ve felt anxiety and doubt but as the weeks have progressed, I feel calmer and focussed and I know I’ll give it my best as I always do! 

Juggling work and training in the winter hasn’t been easy. I’ve been using the treadmill at the gym and going on Park Runs. I’ve loved being out when it is frosty, and I'm grateful to my partner who has cycled beside me on long runs to support and encourage me.

I am not doing this alone. I'm proud to be part of the Team SFH 2025 TCS London Marathon group and we are all there to support each other on our running journey.  

Hearing their stories about why they are running for this hospice is enough motivation for me. I know what a brilliant charity this is to work for, but it never ceases to amaze me that our community feel the same way and are grateful for the caring environment the hospice provides.

I need your help to raise valuable funds so the hospice can continue giving outstanding support when people need it the most. One way to do that is by donating to my fundraising page.  I appreciate any donations I receive, but I’m hoping people will consider donating £1 for every year I’ve worked at the hospice! Here is a link to my fundraising page -  

https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jane-elmer-64ec0