Two Simons. One Marathon. One Shared Mission.

Running the 2026 London Marathon for St Wilfrid’s Hospice Eastbourne.

Royal Navy vs Army – Who Will Cross the Line First?

Our Story

We are Simon Atkins (ex-Royal Navy) and Simon Coomber (ex-Army). Good friends for years, but let’s be honest—there’s always been a bit of friendly rivalry between us.

Royal Navy vs Army; Who’s tougher? Who’s faster?

On 26th April 2026, we’ll settle it over 26.2 miles through the streets of London.

But this isn’t just about bragging rights. This is personal.

Cancer has touched both of our lives deeply. We’ve lost loved ones—Simon A’s mother Helen, Simon C’s father Anthony—and many relatives and friends along the way. We’ve seen the incredible difference hospice care makes, not just for patients but for families too.

Running for St Wilfrid’s Hospice is our way of giving back. They provide dignity, compassion, and comfort when it matters most. They rely on fundraising to keep doing this vital work—and we want to make sure that continues.

Tom’s Story – Why This Matters

In early February 2025, our friend Tom Crouch visited his GP with what seemed like a simple backache. Within days, he was in hospital and diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer and metastatic spinal cancer. After almost six weeks in hospital, Tom was discharged and referred to St Wilfrid’s Hospice for community support.

Tom, a 68-year-old retired Electrical Engineer and proud father of three, had felt “as fit as a fiddle” before that backache. Six months on from his shock diagnosis, Tom is now in a wheelchair—but he remains strong and positive, especially after the recent birth of his beautiful granddaughter, Fiadh.

Tom says his strength is also thanks to St Wilfrid’s Hospice. From the moment he left hospital, they were there—providing essential equipment, expert advice, home physiotherapy sessions, and so much more.

This is why we’re running. - because Tom’s courage and positivity inspires everyone around him and his story reminds us why this cause is so important.

Why St Wilfrid’s Hospice?

St Wilfrid’s Hospice provides specialist end-of-life care for people with life-limiting illnesses, supporting them and their families through the most difficult times. They offer expert medical care, emotional support, and a safe, comforting environment—all free of charge.

Here’s why your support is vital:

* It costs over £21,000 every single day to run St Wilfrid’s services.

* Less than 25% of that comes from government funding.

* In 2023/24, running costs were £10.6 million, but only £2.3 million came from the NHS.

* The rest comes from people like you; from fundraising and public generosity.

No one should face life’s toughest moments without care and dignity. Your donation will help St Wilfrid’s continue this essential work. Every pound makes a difference.

Our Challenge

With 59 years of combined public service between us, we’ve always been driven by duty and challenges. This is our next mission: to raise vital funds for a charity that means so much to so many.

We’ve supported St Wilfrid’s from the sidelines for years—sponsoring others, cheering them on. Now it’s our turn to step up and carry their cause 26.2 miles through London.

Running the London Marathon has been a lifelong dream; doing it for St Wilfrid’s makes it truly meaningful.

How You Can Help

* Donate: Every contribution, big or small, helps St Wilfrid’s continue their incredible work.

* Share: Spread the word—help us reach more people.

* Cheer us on: Follow our journey as we train, sweat, and (hopefully) cross that finish line.

Fundraising Target

Our Goal: £12,500 - Help us get there!

Donate Now

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast, and secure. Your details are safe—they will never sell them or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, your money goes directly to the charity—making it the most efficient way to contribute while saving time and costs for St Wilfrid’s Hospice.

Click on the 'Give Now' button at the top right of this page to donate.

Follow Our Journey

Please help us achieve this goal and make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most. We’ll post updates, training pics, and maybe even some Navy vs Army banter along the way. Plus, updates on fundraising events to support our campaign. Stay tuned!