Willen Hospice calls on local runners to apply for 2023 TCS London Marathon charity places

Willen Hospice are encouraging local runners who have entered the ballot for the 2023 London Marathon to apply for one of their charity places.

Around 36,000 runners take part every year in the London Marathon every year. This year the in-demand event will take place on Sunday 23rd April 2023, and Milton Keynes’ runners can increase their chances of being a part of it by applying for a charity place with Willen Hospice.

A charity place is a guaranteed place in an organised event in return for a minimum fundraising ask. Runners who are successful in gaining a place for Willen Hospice in the London Marathon are asked to raise £2,500 for the charity. This can be achieved with additional fundraising events, like bingo and quiz nights, as well as donations for running the marathon itself. The charity offers support with fundraising and training to help marathon runners achieve their goals.

Wes Auvache ran the London Marathon for Willen Hospice in 2020, “I’ve done lots of challenges and quite a lot of marathons before but, as I found out, you can’t beat the London Marathon. For me it’s unique, the support you get along the whole course is something I’ve not seen before. From mile one, all the way through to mile 26, the support really is great.”

Dawn Clark, Willen Hospice Challenges Fundraiser, said: “Anyone who has entered the ballot for the 2023 TCS London Marathon should definitely apply for one of our charity places. We support our runners every step of the way, with informative training evenings, fundraising materials like buckets, t-shirts and banners, and even a pasta evening before the big day. You will also be making a huge difference to the people in our care who rely on our services following the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness. We rely on the support from our local community to do this.”

Charity place applications can be made here until 31st October. Those who are successful will be contacted after all applications have been reviewed.