Hi, I’m Lewis, I’m 28 and from Leicester - I will be running the London Marathon 2027 to raise money for LOROS, a donation funded hospice that supported both my dad and me during the end of his life.

Last year in August, my dad Andrew unexpectedly got a terminal diagnosis and was given 6 weeks to live. He didn’t have a partner, and I don’t have other siblings so overnight I became his carer. Me and dad really struggled coming to terms with his diagnosis, but his immediate and intensifying care needs gave us lots to do and think about. I tried my hardest to look after Dad, but it was a losing battle and he only got worse. That was until September, when a nurse came to visit us and he was referred to LOROS. Driving him to LOROS was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. We said goodbye to his life outside of the hospice and emotionally packed his essential possessions in to a small holdall. This experience completely changed what I thought mattered.

Over the next month at the hospice, I stayed with dad as much as I could and became really close with lots of the nurses who helped me make sense of what was going on. I still couldn’t make sense of it, but for a brief few weeks he improved, putting on two stone and becoming the funny, charismatic man I knew from before his diagnosis. The time I got with my dad in LOROS was some of the best I’ve ever had with him. We laughed and cried and watched movies and spent more time together than we had ever done. I could just be his son; for that I’m forever indebted.

As expected, I’ve struggled since his death, especially to communicate with people how I am feeling. My LOROS grief counsellor Selwyn has provided me a safe place to process the weight of losing a parent. Something else I am very grateful for.

One thing I didn’t fully appreciate until Dad was at LOROS was that care like this only exists because people choose to support it. LOROS is largely funded by donations, and I’ve seen first-hand how difficult that can be. Demand for hospice care is as high as ever, but sadly so are the financial pressures, with beds unable to be used because of funding challenges. Families like mine rely on LOROS being there when they need it most, and that’s why raising money feels so important to me.

My biggest lesson from losing a parent is how fragile everything really is, what sometimes feels so permanent can change in an instant. In the past, these existentialist questions have made me feel hopeless. However, my dad has motivated me to live my life as fully as I can. Any ambition needs to be followed and leave no itch unscratched.

When he died, I started running. It has been the best decision I have made amongst the chaos. I have discovered it to be emotional and contemplative. I feel close to dad.

A few months ago I entered and completed a half marathon to make running a focus when I have not wanted to have one. For that same reason, in 2027 I will be running the London Marathon, raising money for LOROS - a charitable hospice that has done so much good for me and my family.

I’d really appreciate any donation towards my fundraising target.

Also, over the next few months, me and the guys in Hard Life are gonna put some bits up for raffle to help me reach my target. Every £10 donated will count as one raffle ticket, so a £20 donation will get you two entries, £30 will get you three, and so on.

Thank you,

Lew