Step by step, story by story: running for the children of Haven House

Fifteen runners set to take on TCS London Marathon in support of Haven House.

Sunday 27 April will mark a milestone moment for 15 extraordinary individuals as they lace up their trainers and take on the iconic London Marathon - all in aid of Haven House Children’s Hospice. Each runner brings with them a deeply personal story, united by a shared goal: to raise vital funds for the hospice, which provides specialist care and support for seriously ill children and their families in Northeast London, West Essex, and East Hertfordshire.

So far, the team has raised an amazing £43,000 - an inspiring reflection of their passion, the generosity of supporters, and the profound difference Haven House makes in the lives of local families.

Lois Jackson

Among them is Lois Jackson, who is running in memory of her daughter, Edie. Edie passed away in 2021 at just seven years old after a courageous 14-month battle with a DIPG brain tumour. “Her courage, strength, and spirit during the toughest times showed what resilience truly means,” says Lois. “If Edie could face her challenges with such grace and determination, I know I can push through this marathon.” Lois is raising funds for both Haven House and the Dolphin Ward at Princess Alexandra Hospital, in gratitude for the exceptional care and support her family received.

Joe Whitbread

Joe Whitbread discovered running as a way to improve his mental and physical health in 2024. A year and 1,200km later, he’s taking on his biggest challenge yet. For Joe, this run is personal - his nephew Rudy, who lives with a rare condition called MCAHS1, is supported by Haven House. “They give my sister and her husband a break, knowing Rudy is in the safest of hands,” Joe says. “When I’m struggling on a run, I think of Rudy. I run for him.”

Patrick West

Patrick West is running in honour of his sister Katy, who received specialist care at Haven House. “They gave our family the vital respite and support we needed,” Patrick reflects. “Their work doesn’t just support the children - they uplift the whole family. Now it’s my turn to give something back.”

Sanchez Hardy will be running in memory of his daughter Rosabelle, who lived for just three days after being born with severe heart complications. “Haven House supported us during and after those incredibly painful days,” he shares. “This run is for her.”

Amy Young admits she never thought she'd take on something like a marathon. “This will no doubt be an enormous challenge for me, having never run for more than two minutes before last year - I can't actually believe I am doing it,” she says with a laugh.

But for Amy, the cause is worth every step. “I am delighted to be running for my local charity, Haven House is an incredible place, providing hundreds of seriously ill children and their families with extraordinary care. There is no other charity I would rather take on this challenge for.”

After visiting the hospice in October, Amy was deeply moved. “They help children with life-threatening conditions enjoy life as children, rather than as patients. It really is an incredible charity.”

Among the team are Woodford Green locals Avril and Tony Leary, who live just behind the hospice and have long admired its compassionate work. While Tony is a regular runner and football enthusiast, Avril jokes that her marathon training started from scratch: “My main form of exercise is typing at lightning speed on a laptop!”

The couple are proud to support a cause so close to home, and every mile they run will be fuelled by the love and admiration they have for the incredible work happening just around the corner.

The full team of Haven House runners includes:
Sanchez Hardy, Roger Goldie, Natasha Cohen, Nick Aird, Janine Durrant, Avril and Tony Leary, Patrick West, Joe Whitbread, Amy Young, Jenny Mocock, Claire-Louise Taylor, Lois Jackson, Angus Fullerton, Rebecca Green, and Charlie Button.

Each of them carries the stories of the children and families they run for - with every mile, making a difference that will last far beyond the finish line.

If you have been inspired by these stories to run in 2026, why not register below?

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Haven House Children's Hospice cares for life-limited and life-threatened children and their families.
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Haven House Children’s Hospice supports local children and families, from birth, who are seriously ill and have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.
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Little Orla's last days were spent being cared for at Haven House, in the sunshine listening to birdsong, wrapped in the love of her family.
What is a life-limiting condition?

Haven House offers specialist palliative care to life-limited children and young people who have a wide range of conditions.
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