We’re thrilled to announce that Lucy Roper will represent our Hospice in the 2026 London Marathon, the world’s largest marathon. This coveted charity ballot place only comes around once every four years, making Lucy’s challenge a truly special opportunity to turn miles into care for local families.
Lucy has applied for a London Marathon place for the past eight years, always hoping for the chance to take on such an iconic challenge. When the opportunity arose to run on behalf of the Hospice, it felt like the right moment. Her choice of charity is deeply personal: when she was five, her grandad received care here, and her family has stayed closely connected ever since through years of volunteering. “The Hospice is really close to our hearts,” she says. “It felt like a no‑brainer to apply for the Hospice place.”
For Lucy, crossing the finish line will be more than a physical achievement: it will be a tribute to her grandad, a celebration of her family’s connection to the Hospice, and a chance to give back to the place that has supported them through so much.
She’s already planning creative ways to hit her fundraising target: a Valentine’s bake sale at work, a community bake sale on her estate with help from her young family, and plenty of storytelling on social media to keep supporters updated and inspired.
And when it comes to training, Lucy is embracing the challenge with determination. Although she’s never run a marathon before, she’s no stranger to running, with a half-marathon lined up in March and a running coach on hand to help her train safely after past injuries. She’s gradually building up her mileage and staying motivated with her favourite mantra: “I like a challenge.”
We’ll be cheering Lucy on every step of the way as she takes on this incredible challenge for hospice care. Follow her journey and show your support. Every donation helps make a difference for patients and families when they need it most. https://www.justgiving.com/page/lucy-roper-pwh
If you’re inspired by Lucy’s challenge visit www.pwh.org.uk/supportus to see how you can get involved.
