My Berlin Marathon Challenge – Running for Willen Hospice

On 27th September, I will be taking on one of the biggest challenges of my life – running the Berlin Marathon to raise money for Willen Hospice in Milton Keynes.

For me, this is about much more than running 26.2 miles.

It is about pushing myself, continuing a journey that has already changed my life, and raising money for an incredible local charity that provides specialist care and support to people and families at some of the most difficult times they will ever face.

My journey

When I was younger, running a marathon was something I could only imagine doing. My marathon journey started in 2008, when I completed my first marathon in Chicago, before taking on the London Marathon in 2018.

Over the last year, I have changed my lifestyle and mindset and, having now lost over 6 stone, I am ready to take on my third Abbott World Marathon Major – Berlin.

There have been plenty of difficult days along the way – days when motivation has been low, when the training has been hard, and when simply putting one foot in front of the other has felt like an achievement.

But the journey has shown me what can be achieved with determination, consistency and a reason to keep going.

And this time, I want every mile to mean something.

Why Willen Hospice?

Willen Hospice is a charity that is incredibly important to the Milton Keynes community. It provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care for local people living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as support for the people around them.

The Hospice doesn't just care for the patient. It recognises that families and carers need support too – whether that is practical, emotional or help with bereavement.

Its services include care in the Hospice's In-Patient Unit, support in people's own homes through Willen at Home, therapeutic and wellbeing support, and a 24-hour palliative care advice service.

What makes this even more remarkable is that this care is provided free of charge to local people and their families.

But that care comes at a significant cost. Willen Hospice needs to raise millions of pounds each year to provide its services, with only a proportion of its running costs covered by NHS funding. That means the generosity of local people, businesses and fundraisers is absolutely vital.

For families going through incredibly difficult circumstances, the Hospice can provide not only specialist medical care, but reassurance, comfort, advice and someone to turn to.

That is why I want my marathon challenge to help support the incredible work they do.

26.2 miles for an incredible cause

The Berlin Marathon will be a huge personal challenge.

There have been early mornings, long runs, tired legs, difficult training sessions and plenty of moments when I have questioned why I ever thought this was a good idea!

But when those moments come, I will remind myself that this isn't just about me.

Every mile will be for the people who rely on Willen Hospice, and for the families who need the care, compassion and support it provides.

If my journey over the last year has taught me anything, it is that small steps, repeated consistently, can eventually take you somewhere you never thought possible.

Six stone lost.

Two marathons completed.

One more World Major on the horizon.

Chicago ✔️

London ✔️

Berlin… let's do this!

Please support me

I would be incredibly grateful for any donation you can make to my JustGiving page.

Whether it is £5, £10, £20 or more, every contribution will help Willen Hospice continue to provide its vital care and support to local patients and their families.

If you can't donate, sharing this page with your friends, family and colleagues would mean just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for supporting my journey and, most importantly, for helping me raise money for Willen Hospice.

Now it's time to lace up, get back to training and take on Berlin.

26.2 miles.

One incredible cause.

Let's make every step count.

Thank you.

Martin