Why I'm running the London Marathon

Jason Chapman is a mechanical contracts and project manager. In October he will run the London Marathon for Saint Francis Hospice. Here he tells us why he's taking on the 26.2 mile challenge to help people who need hospice care.

Football has always been a big part of my life from watching West Ham and playing for a few clubs to finishing at Harold Wood Athletic, where I have also played veterans football.

After I broke my leg playing football, I didn't want to stop being active. I had toyed with the idea of running and it had always been an aspiration of mine to do a marathon.

With a little more time on my hands in lockdown, I decided to get as fit as I could, so I got serious with my running and general fitness. I ran a couple of half marathons and decided to apply for the London Marathon.

I was lucky enough to get a Gold Bond place with Saint Francis Hospice which is an absolute privilege and an honour. I couldn't believe my luck when I was accepted. This will be my first marathon and something which is both exciting and daunting at the same time.

The Hospice was there for us

I first encountered Saint Francis Hospice when my nan, Ivy Lodge, received care back in 1996.

Unfortunately my sister-in-law Justine Rollinson lost her five-year battle with breast cancer in 2011. She not only spent her final days on the ward, she spent many days there as an outpatient. She loved attending Saint Francis Hospice and she felt it was a place of comfort and solace. The care she received was fantastic. I know how much the support the charity provided for her and her family during the most difficult of times meant to her.

Remembering our loved ones by fundraising

As a family, we wanted to give something back. We held a party (as she did love a party) in Justine's honour to raise funds for Saint Francis Hospice and also my in-laws golden wedding anniversary garden party was a charity event for the hospice.

My wife Sasha was lucky enough to receive a ballot place in the London Marathon in 2015 and chose to run for the hospice, raising over £2,500.

I remember being so taken back by the whole day and Sasha's experience and I can't wait till marathon day when I too can run for Saint Francis Hospice.

To donate, click here to visit Jason's fundraising page.