On Sunday 4th October, Andrew Campbell should have been taking part in the 40th Anniversary London Marathon in the country’s capital city, in aid of local charity Hospice at Home Carlisle North Lakeland. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he completed the miles around Carlisle instead.
The Virtual London Marathon was established following the postponement of the 2020 event, originally planned for April then moved to 4th October before being deferred again. The alternative format encouraged participants to complete 26.2 miles over a route of their own choosing, within 24 hours on 4th October, with organisers stating to participants it was “your chance to do the 40th Race your way”.
This was the first time that Hospice at Home had received a charity place in the London Marathon. The place was marketed to the Cumbrian community in Autumn 2019 and Andrew was the successful applicant.
Cath Coates, Fundraiser for Hospice at Home said: “Andrew quickly established an online fundraising page and organised events to raise further funds, including a very successful music night in January. All was going well until lockdown began in March and the likelihood of the event taking place was put in question. Despite the challenges faced by the London Marathon event organisers, an alternative plan was soon put in place and the Virtual event was launched, and we were delighted when Andrew chose to take part.”
Andrew continued to support the Charity during the pandemic, volunteering his time in the Hospice at Home Shop on Castle Street, Carlisle when it reopened to the public in June, which was very much appreciated by the retail team. Andrew has also raised over £2,800 in sponsorship, which will provide many hours of vital care and support, and is needed more than ever in these current circumstances.
Cath added: “Following torrential downpours the day before the Virtual event, we were very relieved to see the sun was shining on the day and were delighted to hear the news that Andrew had completed the marathon. On behalf of all the patients and families that will be helped by Andrew’s generous fundraising, I would like to say a big thank you to Andrew and all of his friends, family and colleagues who supported him.”
Andrew commented: “We are so lucky to have such a fantastic hospice network in Carlisle. That is why I am very proud to be representing Hospice at Home at this year’s Virtual London Marathon. I am so grateful for the opportunity to represent this great charity. I have been training over the last year with the help of Ian Harkness, a personal trainer at The Sands Centre. I have also had the support of my family and friends too, and many volunteered to run sections of my circular around Carlisle with me. The conditions were fantastic.”
If anyone would like to sponsor Andrew please visit https://bit.ly/315z9ZZ
Hospice at Home is delighted to announce they have one guaranteed place available for the London Marathon on 3rd October 2021. The place will be offered by application and the successful participant will be required to raise sponsorship for Hospice at Home. Fundraising guides, sponsorship forms, a free t-shirt, and support are all provided by the Fundraising Team. For more information please visit http://www.hospiceathome.co.uk/events or call 01768 210719.
