I am running the 2025 London Marathon, as a member of #TeamMartlets, in memory of my father, Vernono “Vernie” Balanza, who passed away in June 2024. I am also running to bring awareness to how essential hospice services are by fundraising for Martlets, a local UK charity providing free hospice care in Brighton and Hove, as well as surrounding areas.

After my dad had to go to the ER in May 2024, my family was blindsided by the news that he had terminal cancer and would be given a short time to live. He spent his final days at my place receiving essential treatment from hospice nurses as well as spiritual care from the hospice chaplain.

I have successfully run 3 world major marathons, but this one will forever be one of the most meaningful, as my only goal is to finish this race and make my dad proud as he looks below.

I am fundraising for Martlets because they are a local UK charity providing free palliative care to people affected by terminal illness in Brighton and Hove, as well as surrounding areas. Although they get some funding from the government in the form of a grant, the majority of their funding comes from donations.

As someone whose father lived out his last days under hospice care, I strongly believe that no family member should ever have to worry about the financial burden of having a loved one cared for during their final days. They should be comforted knowing their loved one will live out their last days in the utmost comfort.

#TeamMartlets