Mar 06, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025

Mrs B takes on the London Marathon

Mrs B takes on the London Marathon I have been applying to the London Marathon ballot for many years and every year when the unsuccessful result has come out I have breathed a sigh of relief. Until this year! June 2024 I opened the ballot result email and there was the message “Congratulations Mrs Baker you have a place to run in the 2025 London Marathon”. After a bit of “Oh my” and “Oh no” (amongst other phrases) I thought right lets do this! I’m 60 and I now have the chance to run in the most prestigious marathon in the world. I have always enjoyed running, I ran the 1500m for school in the 70’s and over the years I’ve done several half marathons, 10k’s and Parkruns but never a marathon!! Bring it on! With a ballot place there is no obligation to raise money for charity but as soon as I had the place I knew I wanted to help a cause and it was obvious who to support. Not one but two charities. Two charities that have been close to our hearts over the last few years. Namely the Brain Tumour Research charity and The Grand Appeal at Bristol Children’s Hospital. My glorious great niece Isla was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in 2022. She had surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy at Bristol Children’s Hospital and she and her family spent many months in the hospital where they were so well cared for. She is now back at school wearing her stylish hats and pretty turbans and is a sparky, smiley ten year old. She loves -amongst many things- writing, Frank the dog and a game of darts! The Grand Appeal is the charity at Bristol Children’s Hospital. The appeal is so named because Aardman Animations, who are based in Bristol and are famous for the iconic characters Wallace and Gromit, allowed the use of their characters to help the fundraising. The hospital, which is a centre of excellence, supports children and families in many ways, giving emotional, financial and practical support when it is most needed. Brain Tumour Research is a national charity in the UK focused on finding a cure for all types of brain tumours. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. I’m not just running for Isla but for anyone or any family whose life has been or may be affected and supported by these two wonderful charities. Any donation of any size would be massively appreciated and greatly received or just spreading the word is a big donation! I’m nervous and excited for the 26.2 miles and now I must keep training! Thank you. Kate x

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