Liam's marathon challenge to help Peterborough's Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice

Despite never running even a half marathon before, Liam Round, 35, from Crowland in Lincolnshire, is determined to complete the 26.2 mile gruelling Virgin Money London Marathon in memory of a family friend, as well as supporting the hospice.

And he is using lockdown to put in all the training to hopefully see him across the finish line in October.

Liam said: “My friend’s mum, Annette, passed away in November 2020 after receiving care at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

“Just after I received an email from my employer about our new Charity Partner, Sue Ryder, and their charity places on the London Marathon. I’d read about the funding struggles of our local Sue Ryder hospice during the pandemic, and I wanted to give something back, so I applied.

“I have had many friends who have been supported by this wonderful charity and know how they have helped people, supported those left behind and been a rock to so many.

“I received my acceptance of my charity place on the very day we said good bye, for now, to Annette.”

It’s the first time Liam has ever taken on a running event. “I have never run a half marathon, let alone a full marathon,” said Liam. “This will be my biggest challenge to date and it is going to be absolutely huge.

“Unperturbed by this I am following a six month training plan that allows for flexibility and I have set myself up on social media and Just Giving with the aptly titled #Zero2Twenty6Point2 to share my progress.

“What’s keeping me going whilst I am training is the thought of being on that start line with thousands of others and hearing the roar of the public.

“More importantly the thought of raising money on behalf of so many people and their families, before, now and in the future is motivating me.”

Liam hopes to raise £5,000 for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice with his London Marathon challenge. “I hope the funds I raise help provide some longevity for the hospice so they can continue the work they do. It is inspirational and something we must protect,” he adds.

“Sue Ryder is more than a charity to me. They have offered so many of my friends and their families solace and peace in times of need and ask for so little in return. I have been reading about so many hospices being on the verge of closure due to the devastating impact of the pandemic on their fundraising activities, but local communities are rallying around to ensure this doesn’t happen.

“2021 is presenting new challenges for our hospices. We cannot allow hospices to go through these continued challenges unaided.

“I want everyone to know just how magic Sue Ryder are. It takes a special kind of person to turn your hand to others’ grief especially when there is so much uncertainty right now. Sue Ryder shows exemplary courage and empathy. They are beacons of love for so many at what is such a difficult time.”

With the Virgin Money London Marathon ballot results announced earlier this week, Liam hopes by sharing his story he’ll encourage others who have secured their own place on the start line to consider running as part of the Sue Ryder team.

“For anyone who gets a place at this year’s London Marathon please consider running for Sue Ryder. You’ll be giving back and as the old saying goes EVERY little helps.”

To follow Liam’s progress follow him on Twitter @LiamPRound1 or on Instagram @zero2twenty6point2 or donate at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/zero2twenty6Runners securing a ballot place at the Virgin Money London Marathon 2021 can find out more about joining Sue Ryder’s #TeamIncredible team by emailing [email protected] or calling 01733 225 999.