Keeping Grandad's memory alive at the London Marathon

I am John, I am almost 37 years old, from a small village called Ditton, just outside Maidstone in Kent. I was originally from Dagenham. I work as the Commercial Manager for Affinity Water, looking after all water needs for our leading commercial clients including Royal Ascot Racecourse and Pinewood Film Studios. I have a 3-year-old son who is my little best buddy and I have a season ticket at West Ham United.

So why did I choose to support Saint Francis Hospice? Because my Grandad, Hartley Peters, spent his final week here in April 2022.

How the Hospice helped my Grandad

Despite this being the place he took his last breath, it was also a place which brought our family together, as we sat around his bed watching the horse racing and seeing him still beat the bookies in his final days. 

Harley with his great grandson

I find great comfort in knowing that everyone at Saint Francis Hospice done their utmost to ensure my Grandad's last week with us was filled with comfort and dignity. There were and still are no words I am able to find that can fully do justice to how grateful myself and my family are for everyone here. So, I have pledged to take on the London Marathon, to raise funds to ensure other people and their loved ones can take advantage of the wonderful services this hospice provides in the most difficult of times.

Training for my first ever marathon!

The London Marathon 2023 was my first ever marathon, and it was the first time in over 10 years I took on any distance over a 10k.

My training went well. I scrapped the training plan early on and have just been trusting my body. I was feeling fresh and ready to combat the physical, mental and emotional challenges that the marathon throws at you. I was absolutely buzzing for the day and was almost at my fundraising target!

John training for his furthest ever run

I want to do the Marathon all over again!

I have to say, my marathon day didn't go quite to plan! I only just made the final start time due to issues on the DLR. Then my running belt broke five miles in, and then I missed the Hospice cheer point at mile 17 because I was looking on the wrong side of the road with my headphones in. And finally, my Achilles gave out at mile 18 and I was sick over a barrier at mile 20.

Aside from all of these hiccups, this was one of the best experiences of my life. I have never witnessed noise like it! There were so many people from so many walks of life coming together to cheer for a group of strangers in the pouring rain. 

I have just applied for next year's London Marathon and here's hoping I can go again next year!

My marathon is dedicated to the amazing staff at Saint Francis Hospice, and to the memory of my Grandad. A proper old school gent. Hartley Peters, what a man!