Running the marathon ten years after Grandad's death

Ever since I can remember, Saint Francis Hospice has been a part of my life in some way.  

My Nan volunteered at the shop in Hornchurch after becoming a widow in 1998, but I only really became truly aware of the service the charity gives in 2012 when my Grandad was diagnosed with cancer.  

Experiencing Hospice care

The Hospice was incredible and it was able to send a nurse to his home to support him and my family in his final days.

Nick enjoying Arsenal's trophies with his Grandad and family

He passed away just a few days before the 2012 Olympics and I recall watching the opening ceremony whilst still struggling to come to terms with losing someone who I had cherished so much.  

Volunteering to give something back

The next summer, I began to volunteer at the same Hospice shop where my Nan helped because I felt it was important to give back in any way that I could.  

I started volunteering at the shop because it was about a year after my grandad passed away and I wanted to get more involved and help the Hospice treat others. I had some free time over the summer break from Uni so I volunteered for a couple of mornings a week. 

Nick outside the Hornchurch Fashion Shop where he used to volunteer

I really loved it. I mainly worked behind the till and enjoyed chatting to everyone that came in the shop. 

Towards the end of the summer using the skills I'd picked up in the shop I got offered a job elsewhere. It was a shame to leave but I know my time there was well spent and helped the Hospice loads. When a few of my friends were struggling to get jobs I told them to volunteer too to build up their skills whilst helping a good cause. 

Taking on the London Marathon

This year marks the 10 year anniversary of my Grandad's passing and although it wasn't planned, I can't think of a better cause to take on the London Marathon for and accomplish in his memory. 

I've always enjoyed running and got more into it during the initial Covid lockdown, usually running 5k every other day.  

My training is going well. I'm trying to build up slowly and gradually to get my body used to running longer distances before I step it up later on in the summer to build for the marathon.  

Nick running the Vitality Half Marathon as part of his training

My friends and family have been incredibly generous with donations. In May I ran a raffle for a hamper which raised over £700!  

People were really in the bank holiday spirit and pretty much everyone knew about Saint Francis Hospice and had a story to tell. 

I honestly can't wait for race day! I'm enjoying my training but the ultimate goal is to run those 26 miles on the big day. I watched it last year from the sidelines and know what an incredible atmosphere it is every step of the way so to get the chance to run in those conditions will be a massive buzz!  

My two goals are to complete it and run all of the way. I'd love to aim for a specific time but as it's my first time, I want to focus on enjoying the day, the run and the joy of the accomplishment. 

To make a donation, visit tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/nicholaswest27