I'm no runner but I'm taking on the London Marathon for Dad

Mum-of-three Beth Hodge was lucky enough to get a ballot place in the 2024 London Marathon. Here Beth shares why she is determined to raise £10,000 for Saint Francis Hospice, the charity that cared for her dad David Rees more than 20 years ago.

I’m not a runner and this will be my first marathon. I signed up on the day the ballot closed after one of the school mums ran it last year and convinced me I’d be able to do it. I couldn’t believe it when I got a place to run!

I always knew if I did an event for charity, it would be for Saint Francis Hospice because of the care my dad received in the last weeks of his life. I was just 15 at the time and can remember visiting Dad at the hospice and the feeling of calm and care despite it being a difficult time. I’ve also known a couple of other people who have received care from the Hospice, so it holds a special place in my heart.

My dad was a very loved character, and he was known for his generosity and sense of humour, a real wind up but loved by so many.

David with daughter, Beth, as a child

He had time for everyone. Dad loved keeping fit. He was very competitive, and I think I’ve inherited that from him. This is partly why I’ve set myself such a big fundraising target because he didn’t do things by halves.

My journey to the finish line has already begun!

My training is going surprisingly well given that until I started training specifically for the marathon, I’d hardly ever run more than 30 minutes or 5k. It’s given me great motivation. It really helps my mental health and as a Type 1 diabetic, it also helps my diabetes control. I’m up to half marathon distance which I’m really pleased with.

The runs are hard and sometimes a little boring but the feeling I get after the run is amazing and I know with every run completed I’m one step closer to being marathon ready. With autumn/winter setting in, it is definitely feeling harder but once I’m out on the road that’s the hardest bit done.

Since getting her running vest, Beth says it all seems a lot more real!

Knowing how proud Dad would be that I’m doing this keeps me going and the hope that I’ll be able to raise a good amount for the hospice.

I’m really looking forward to race day now, especially knowing that my childhood friend Amy is also running for Saint Francis Hospice in memory of her mum who spent her final weeks at the hospice too. Her mum was like an aunty to me and a friend to my mum and dad so that has made the whole journey feel even more special.

I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere and the sense of accomplishment of completing a marathon as it's something I never thought I would do. I’m not focussing too much on time as for me just to complete would be amazing but if I got under 5 hours I’d be chuffed!