The Virgin Money London Marathon alone, which should have taken place on Sunday 26 April, is the world’s biggest one-day fundraising event, which raised more than £66.4 million for thousands of charities in 2019.

Many of these charities have had to reduce or stop services at a time when vulnerable members of society need them most; thousands of staff have been placed on furlough and many charities will not survive the next few months.

My local Garden House Hospice in Letchworth, Hertfordshire has been massively affected with a huge increase in demand for in- patient care, supporting the local hospitals by taking in Covid 19 patients to free up hospital beds, providing a Compassionate Neighbours scheme to help vulnerable people with their shopping and prescriptions, as well as increased demand for their Bereavement Support services meeting the needs of families dealing with the loss of loved ones in these heartbreaking circumstances.

Despite the incredible pledge of support from the Government, they are estimating a loss of £25,000 a week, £1.3M this year due to the impact of coronavirus on their fundraising and trading streams, money that is critical to keep these vital services running.

I know that many people do not have the cash to donate right now but if you can spare a small amount please help me reach my target and I will do my bit and cycle (13.2miles) then run a half marathon next Sunday to achieve the 26.2 and will have the blisters to prove it! 

Many thanks in advance! 

Ros