03/05/2026
Following last week’s London Marathon, here’s another lovely story from one of our LOROS runners, Sharne.
“I have decided to take on the gruelling challenge of the London Marathon this year for LOROS Hospice. I wanted to run for LOROS because of the amazing work they do.
In 2018, my Pops was diagnosed with cancer during a short stay in the hospital. He came to my family home, and the next steps were for him to receive at-home care from LOROS. Before the care began, he sadly passed away.
The staff from LOROS informed me of free counselling at the hospice to support me with my grief. Whilst waiting to begin counselling, the team at LOROS would ring to check in and see how I was.
The counselling was exactly what I needed to help me process my grief. All the staff I encountered were kind and helpful. Not only have they supported me, but they have also provided inpatient and outpatient care for some very dear family friends.
When I saw they were financially struggling, I wanted to help. I decided to apply. I received a call from Megan in the Fundraising team, and she said, "We are going to offer you a place. If you would still like it?"
I couldn't believe it. I was filled with anxiety, excitement and every other emotion. I have gone on to raise over £3,000 through quiz nights, raffles and bingo. Whilst I am going through the constant cycle of blisters, fatigue and sore legs, what keeps me going is the small part I play in helping LOROS and potentially giving that support to other families.
During my training, the team at LOROS have also been fantastic and supportive - thank you, Megan and the fundraising department. LOROS really do go above and beyond.
Fast forward a few days..... I did it! I completed the London Marathon, whilst raising a staggering £3,650 for LOROS.
It was the most emotional but proudest day of my life. Ironically, I was not concerned about the weather in the slightest - I thought, ooh, it'll be a lovely breeze, but, as you can tell, I ended up with sunburn! (whoops!).
The London Marathon has been, by far, the proudest experience of my life. You start by meeting a bunch of strangers, and the nerves are definitely there! Then the horn went, and off we ran! From the beginning of the race, my heart was going, and whilst the heat was quite tough, the volunteers were exceptionally helpful, providing plenty of water, Lucozade and ICE!
People shouted my name and encouraged me even when I had to slow down. It really is like a free tour of London, seeing Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, the iconic Tower Bridge, and where you end up on television for a few seconds. The most iconic section is that final mile, seeing Big Ben and knowing I was just under a mile away. The crowds really do give you a homecoming for that last section; however, I forgot that I still hadn't seen the Palace, but then it came into view, the tears were flowing, and that last bit of energy appeared, and I made it all the way to the end, where I received my medal.
Apart from crossing the line, the best part has to be the support that kept me going. Friends who spectated, or sent me messages from home and the crowds, that's what kept me going right to the very end. Thank you so much to everyone at LOROS, at work, at home, and around the country for their amazing support that day. It really will stay with me forever.”
