News

On the 27 April, five islanders will be swapping the scenic views of Jersey’s coastline for the streets of the big smoke – running the London Marathon in aid of Jersey Hospice Care. Each participant has shared their personal reasons for taking on the challenge to raise vital funds for us, which you can find in their biographies below.

The money raised means we can continue to support islanders facing life-limiting conditions and their families – whether that’s on our In Patient Unit, through our services in the community, or with bereavement counselling.

We’re grateful for all those taking part and everyone who donates.

Elenor Bouchet:

I’ll be 50 in 2025 and 5 years ago, I said I’d never be able to run. After much persuasion, I started on a Couch to 5k programme at work, thanks to a friend of mine who has supported my running journey from the start. Running my first marathon in my 50th year may seem like a midlife crisis – but in all honesty, time is flying by, and I just want to live my life to the full. I’ve been inspired by friends who are running marathons and ultra marathons having been through their own battles and are doing their best to live their best lives. I'm relatively fit and healthy so I want to prove I can do this for myself and to raise funds for an incredible charity that proves whatever your life holds in store for you, you can live your life to the full.

On race day, I’ll be wearing the names of 26 people on my arm – including my dear mother-in-law, my aunt, and the fathers of two of my best friends who were cared for by Jersey Hospice Care in the last days of their lives. The care provided to both those directly being cared for and their families is outstanding, compassionate, and truly kind – making sure everyone can make the best of the time they have together. This is a service that our island simply can't do without.

I also have the great pleasure of working with Jersey Hospice Care's fundraising team and I see first-hand how passionate everyone is – from those who directly give care, to those who work behind the scenes to keep the charity running so well. It’s honestly my pleasure to do my bit for them.

Donate to Elenor's fundraising here.

Honor Butel:

I’m running the London Marathon for Jersey Hospice Care as my family have personally been supported by Jersey Hospice Care when they took exceptional care of my Granny during the last few weeks of her life.

All the staff at hospice are extremely kind and caring to both patients and families and without them and their hard work, support, and incredible facilities, I can't begin to imagine how much harder our family's situation would have been without their kindness and support. It’ll be coming up to 12 years now without my lovely Granny in this world, so, this one's for her. ❤️

Donate to Honor's fundraising here.

Karl “The Shoe Man” Fitzpatrick:

On Sunday 27 April I’ll be running the 45th London Marathon for Jersey Hospice Care.

It’s such a special day. I had the most fantastic experience running the London Marathon in 2022 – it was a day I’ll never forget. I enjoyed it so much; I’m going again this year!

This will be my 4th London Marathon and 3rd year in a row running in the Shoe. I’ll laugh, smile, dance, and enjoy every moment of the 26.2 mile course.

I’m trying to make a difference and lasting impact to this incredible charity. So far, I’ve raised more than £20k since 2021 – and your donations are appreciated and so important to this wonderful charity.

Thanks to everyone who has supported, donated, or just given kind words of encouragement!

Donate to Karl's fundraising here.

Gavin McDougall:

I’m taking on the incredible challenge of running the London Marathon in support of Jersey Hospice Care – a cause that’s very close to my heart. Jersey Hospice Care provides compassionate, specialist care to those facing life-limiting illnesses, as well as vital support to their families.

We lost my father in law Joe to cancer in 2019, the support we all got was incredible and inspired me to raise vital funds for the Hospice to ensure that support continues for our local communities. Training for 26.2 miles is no easy feat, but knowing that every step I take helps raise awareness and funds for such an essential service keeps me going.

Whether it’s £5 or £50, every donation makes a real difference and brings Hospice closer to providing comfort, dignity, and support to those who need it.

Donate to Gavin's fundraising here.

Jade McKain:

I’m running the London marathon this year for a very special reason – in loving memory of my friend, James Painter, who passed away at Jersey Hospice Care on 8 August 2023 following a courageous battle with cancer. 

I’m raising £2,500 to support Jersey Hospice Care – a charity that played a pivotal role in his final days.

This marathon fundraiser honours James’ life, and the incredible work Jersey Hospice Care did for him, his family, and my dear best friend Simone – James’ life partner.

Donate to Jade's fundraising here.