With just two days to go until the London Marathon, we are proud to introduce our incredible team of Willen Hospice runners. Each one is on a deeply personal journey — driven by love, remembrance, community, and an unwavering commitment to hospice care in Milton Keynes.
On Wednesday, we brought our London 2025 team together for the first time at our traditional London Marathon Pasta Party. Hosted in our Hospice café, it was an evening filled with training tips, carb loading, and camaraderie and was the perfect way to celebrate the people behind the 26.2 miles.
So, what inspires Team Willen to take on this iconic running challenge?
The Hospice ambassador
Ali is a familiar face at Willen Hospice, leading our amazing People Services team during the working week. But behind the scenes, she’s also been tirelessly training and fundraising for this year’s London Marathon.
Her determination and dedication to our cause is so inspiring, and we’re incredibly proud to have her as both a colleague and a runner.
Running for love
This weekend Emma and Sarah will be running the London Marathon with love, strength, and purpose in every step of every mile .They are both running in memory of their husbands, Jamie and Alan, who were both cared for by Willen Hospice.
Their journey to the finish line is a powerful tribute to the men they love and miss every day and to our hospice team who supported them and their young families.
Emma’s friend Heather will be joining on the day and is also kindly raising funds for Willen too.
Their courage and commitment reminds us all why hospice care matters so much and how love continues to carry us forward as we navigate life without someone special.
Running to support fairer funding
Many of you will know about our Willen at Home campaign and the powerful support we’ve received from local MPs. What you might not know is that Chris Curtis, Labour MP for Milton Keynes North, is also running the London
Marathon and he’s doing it for Willen Hospice. Chris joined Team Willen after we supported his family.
“The Hospice holds a special place in my heart. They have been there for my family during some of our most difficult times, offering comfort, dignity and support when we needed it most. I know their incredible care has touched the lives of countless families across our city. This hospice isn’t just a service – it’s a community of local people helping local people. I’m proud to be running the London Marathon in April in aid of the Hospice. “
Running in Memory
Many of our runners are honouring a loved one cared for by Willen Hospice. Their stories remind us of the difference hospice care makes, not just by improving the quality of life for our patients, but the lasting impact it has on their families.
Max is running in memory of his mum;
“Nine years ago, my mum spent her final weeks at Willen. Even though it was the hardest time of my life, they made us feel supported and cared for. Most importantly, they made my mum smile and laugh. I’ll always love Willen and support them however I can.”
Lindsey is running for her mum, Hilary:
“Imagine winning the lottery, but instead of money, you get a room at Willen Hospice for your mum. That’s exactly how it felt for our family.” Read Lindsey’s story here.
Loren is running in memory of her dad, Nick:
“I’m so proud that on Sunday 27th April 2025, I’ll be running (or jogging, walking, maybe crawling!) the London Marathon in memory of my amazing dad.”
Hannah-Mae is running in memory of her mum, who received care from Willen Hospice when Hannah-Mae was just 21 years of age.
Darcy is running in honour of her uncle’s memory.
Corporate connections
Our runners include fantastic supporters from local businesses in Milton Keynes that continue to champion Willen Hospice in remarkable ways as Corporate Partners.
Dale works for our partners at Volkswagen Group.
Charlotte works for Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) who are long-time friends of the Hospice.
Sam, from Saxon Clinic, is part of our team after the clinic chose Willen Hospice as their 2025 Charity of the Year.
We’re so grateful for the support of these businesses and the individuals within them who go the extra mile for their local hospice.
Social Media for good
Milton Keynes-based TikTok stars Darren and Callum Ryan signed up to support their local hospice but they had no idea their story would go viral.
A heartfelt TikTok video helped Darren’s fundraising soar from £620 to over £10,000 in just 24 hours. Today, the total sits at an incredible £19,200, thanks to global support and local people on Tik Tok.
Darren said;
“I’m running for Willen Hospice, but now I’m also running for everyone who donated. Even though I don’t have a personal connection to the hospice, it’s local and the team do amazing work. It’s about supporting smaller charities that don’t always get the spotlight.”
Their story shows the power of community on a global scale through social media. Read their story in full.
Whilst each of our runners is driven by a different story, together, they form an amazing Team Willen London Marathon 2025. Whether they’re running in memory, for love, or for their MK community, they remind us why Willen Hospice matters.
We’ll be cheering every single one of them on this Sunday — and we hope you’ll join us in celebrating their courage, compassion, and determination.
Feeling inspired?
Charity applications are now open to run for Willen in next year’s London Marathon.
