"I can't wait to be part of something I've only ever seen on TV"

Stuart Phillips is a Curriculum Manager for Creative Media and IT at NCC London Havering Sixth Form. He ran the London Marathon to raise money for Saint Francis Hospice in memory of his dad who died in 2022.

Dad found out that he had brain tumour in November 2021 and we knew we had limited time. He had opted to be at home for his respite care and Saint Francis Hospice were amazing in their support of this. We would have nurses come in and sit with him for a few hours at a time or a whole morning which allowed my Mum some time to herself.

We were able to do simple things like take her out for afternoon tea so she could have a break from everything. They were an amazing support to all of us, as we knew Dad was safe and well looked after while we did the same for each other.

Ticking something off my bucket list

I’ve always wanted to do the Marathon but have missed out a number of times. After Saint Francis Hospice supported my Dad and us as a family this year, I went for it and applied for a charity place and was so pleased to be welcomed as part of the team.

Training went well and I ran the Brentwood Half Marathon in March. It’s crazy the amount of miles that slowly tick up as you do a little more each week. Towards the end of my main training, I worked out I’d done the same number of miles between Hornchurch and Carmarthen in Wales (one way!) which is a happy memory as Dad loved Wales and we have family there also.

Getting the fuelling side of things was the hardest part, knowing when to eat something and when not to but I slowly got better at it.

With enough tape on my legs to wrap up a large amount of presents it was all on track for the big day.

I couldn't wait to get going. I was looking forward to witnessing all the sights and sounds others have shared and being a part of something I’ve only ever seen on the TV!

What an achievement

Marathon day felt like such an achievement. It was not only the culmination of weeks of training but for me, it was the chance to mentally cross another finish line in terms of my Dad's memory.

The support from the whole of #TeamSFH, employees and runners alike has been immense and I feel so privileged to have been part of this team at this time to accomplish the goal of completing the Marathon.

The atmosphere was incredible. There were times when it seemed that I forget I was running a marathon, and got swept up in the carnival feel of the day and being surrounded by so many people doing what they could to raise money and awareness. Crossing the line after a little over 5 hours I felt as if it had all been worth it.

I'm not sure I'm rushing to do it again straight away - but I would never say never!

People's generosity has been incredible

I was really blessed by friends, family and strangers. When I found out I had a place, I jumped straight on my socials and shared it with as many people as I could and I hit my total quite early on.

I was amazed at the generosity of people and the love and support of Saint Francis Hospice itself was clear - some of the people were sponsoring me in memory of their own family and friends who were helped by the charity.

Thanks to everyone for all their support - it absolutely would not have been possible without you all.