Here they are! Our fabulous 2022 London Marathon Dream team.
Their months of intensive training and preparation are nearly over, as the big day approaches this Sunday.
The London Marathon is one of the UK’s biggest charity fundraising events and thanks to their fantastic efforts we will be able to directly support more children and young people across Berkshire who have been bereaved on someone they love.
Introducing, in their own words…
Peter
“I’m running the London Marathon for Daisy’s Dream following the support they provided to a friend of mine and her young boys following the loss of their father. I’ve been running for about 3 years now and completed several virtual runs during lock down before completing my first mass participation half marathon event post Covid. I’ve watched the London Marathon since the very first one in 1981 when I was just 8 years old and now I finally get the chance to run it and experience the atmosphere whilst raising money for Daisy’s Dream.”
Matt
“This is a charity close to my heart. I can’t imagine how it feels for a young child to lose a parent and the grief they experience. This has been amplified when I met Sarah and her four girls who lost their Dad, Paul, through cancer five years ago. Daisy’s Dream were there for Sarah and the girls and have helped and continue to support them to manage the grief.”
Sarah
“Daisy’s Dream is a charity that is very close to my heart. Whilst I wasn’t a child when I lost my parents, I know just how deeply overwhelming losing a parent/s can be and I know that if I combine something else that I’m passionate about (running) then hopefully I could go someway to providing a better future and a more positive outlook for the wonderful children that DD support.
“My Dad was a postman when I was growing up and as a young teenager of 13/14, I used to get up with him when his alarm used to go off at 4am, he’d make me a cup of tea and he would go off to work and I would go out running. It has been a lifelong dream to run the London Marathon. I’ve entered many times but never been lucky enough to get a place. I’m incredibly excited to be running in London 2022 and whilst I’m really sad that my parents aren’t alive to see me fulfil this dream, I know just how proud they would be.
“I’m ready (I think) or at least that’s what I keep telling myself. The journey is as much mental as it is physical, so I am maintaining really positive thoughts ahead of the event on Sunday so that I can encourage my mind (and my legs) to be as ready as I’m ever going to be.”
Ciaran
“This will be my 5th London Marathon and believe me when I say that sometimes knowledge is not a good thing! It’s tough and thetraining is tougher. I’m not a super-fit guy and training for this day takes grit and determination, as well as a good pair of headphones with plenty of cool music to keep me going.
Every year I swear I will never do it again, but then after a cold beer and time to think about what I just achieved, I get the bug again. It’s only when the training plan starts that I realise what I’ve done. All kidding aside, supporting a great charity like this is all that matters, and with your generosity we can smash this target and make a massive difference to any children and families who have to deal with the loss of a loved one!”
As well as those running in the London race, we also have a very special group of ladies who are taking on the challenge of the Virtual London Marathon, setting off at dawn on Sunday to complete their 26.2 mile walk together in daylight.
Including our own fabulous Events Officer, Vicky, meet The Stanford Sole Sisters…
Vicky, Katie, Rhian, Wendy
“We are a group of friends who love walking (and talking!) together – Wendy, Vicky, Katie and Rhian.
“On 2nd October, we will be taking on the Virtual London Marathon – all 26.2 miles of it – eek! We will definitely be walking, not running, but this is still going to be an epic challenge! We have been training hard and are as ready as we will ever be.
Stanford Sole Sisters London Marathon 2022
“Our route takes us along the beautiful Thames Path – partly chosen as there is no risk of navigational issues! We will be starting as the sun rises and will still be walking after the London event is done and dusted – definitely an endurance test but we can’t wait. Our nearest and dearest will be joining us to walk the last 6 miles and to keep morale high on the final leg of the journey.
“Daisy’s Dream is important to us as we know a number of families who have experienced a significant bereavement and we have seen the positive impact Daisy’s Dream has made to the lives of the children and young people in those families. We want to make sure Daisy’s Dream can continue to be there for families that need them in the most difficult of times.”
We’d like to say a huge thank you to all our fundraisers and everybody who has supported them and wish them all the best on Sunday. We look forward to seeing your pictures and hearing all your races.