Football stars surprise visit to children’s wards
12 December 2024
Publish date: 27 April 2023
A huge thank you and well done to everyone who ran the London Marathon last weekend to support UCLH.
UCLH staff, patients and supporters were among the thousands of runners who took part in this iconic event, which raises millions of pounds for charity.
Runners included James Hall who ran his fifth Marathon, but his first as a transtibial runner, after losing part of his right leg to bone cancer. After being diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in September 2015 at 36 years old, Jimmy's leg was amputated below the right knee in February 2016. He ran the Marathon to support the UCLH Charity Cancer Fund because, “I want to do my small bit to thank those that gave me a second chance at life. The sarcoma team at UCLH is amazing and I can personally vouch for the expertise and kindness of NHS staff in helping people like me at our time of need.”
Jimmy completed the challenge in five hours and three minutes and raised over £11,000 – well done Jimmy! Visit Jimmy’s JustGiving page
Alongside Jimmy, runners supporting UCLH Charity and associated funds, included the following.
- Staff including Alice Vodden, assistant general manager, cancer services running to support UCLH Charity and Claire Humphries, matron at Westmoreland Street, running for the Cancer Fund
- Patients Abby, Taylor and Matt, and supporters Maggie and Andrew raising money for UCLH Charity funds
- For UCLH Charity fund, Haematology Cancer Care, runners included: Faye, Louie, India, Tina, Shane, Luke and Eleanor
The National Brain Appeal had 53 runners, including NHNN consultant neurosurgeon Mr Neil Kitchen, his eleventh time for the Charity! Other staff runners included occupational therapist Helen Stancombe, speech and language therapist Claire Afford and healthcare assistant Edward Pena. Special mentions also to supporters Elliott and Grant. Collectively, they are expecting to raise more than £200,000 that will be invested into vital projects at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
Thank you to you all. You were simply amazing!
If you’ve been inspired by the London Marathon, UCLH Charity has places in the Asics 10km in July, and the Royal Parks Half in October. Check out the events page on the UCLH Charity website – money raised supports patients, staff and research at UCLH. Together we can do more!
