Martin's London Marathon 2025
Martin Stokke is raising money for Hospiscare
Story
On October 27th, 2021, I lost my mum to cancer. The diagnosis completely blindsided our family. She was fit, healthy, and active, always out on her bike with a smile on her face. No one could have prepared us for the heartbreak that was to come. What began with hope, optimism, and a determined fight ultimately ended in a nightmare. To this day, I’m still struggling to come to terms with the fact that she’s gone.
My mum was fortunate to have a family who dropped everything to care for her, day and night. Because of that, Hospiscare's role in her care at the end of her life was limited. But I know that not everyone has this kind of support network. That’s why, while I’m doing this in memory of my mum, I’m also determined to raise vital funds for those who face the end of their lives without friends and family around them.
Hospiscare is the adult hospice charity providing expert care to those who need it most in Exeter, Mid, and East Devon. I’ve worked at the hospice for five years and have seen firsthand the difference they make. We all know someone who’s been cared for by a hospice, but unfortunately, they are grossly underfunded. Without ongoing community support, they wouldn’t exist... so I’m stepping up to do my bit!
Last year, I decided to take a page from my mum’s book. I got healthier, and I entered my first race – The Great West Run. This year, I’m taking things to the next level by running the London Marathon, along with several other races, in honour of my mum, Tone Marie Stokke. She was my greatest inspiration, the person who fought every battle by my side. She took on the role of both Mum and Dad, teaching me everything I know along the way.
Although I’m starting my fundraising a bit later than I would have liked, I’ve been working hard on my training. I’ve gone from 98kg to 81kg and am feeling fitter and more motivated than ever.
While this fundraising page is focused on the London Marathon, I’m also training for The Grizzly and Madrid Half Marathon, with the Great West Run coming up after the marathon. My fundraising target is £5,000 – a daunting amount, but I believe it’s possible...
To help reach this goal, I’ve planned several fundraising events, including:
- Black Tie Dinner at Woodbury Park Hotel on April 12th (Less than 5% of tickets left!)
- Pub Quiz at Henry’s Bar on Feb 27th
If you’d like to support my training and help me hit my fundraising target for Hospiscare, please donate what you can. Every contribution will make a difference to the life of a stranger facing end-of-life.
Thank you :)