Securing a place in the London Marathon is a dream for countless runners across the nation. Vicky Miles Gale was one of the fortunate few selected from over 1.1 million applicants to receive a coveted ballot place. This Sunday, April 26, she will join thousands of participants tackling the world's most famous 26.2-mile course, transforming a personal ambition into a powerful act of charity.
A Transformative Running Journey
Vicky's path to the marathon start line began just two and a half years ago, when she could barely run at all. "I thought I'd try Couch to 5km at the local running club," she recalls. That initial step sparked a passion. "Once I got there, I was hooked." While she humbly admits she is not the fastest or most graceful runner, her determination is unwavering. "I keep going, one foot in front of the other," she states, embodying the spirit of perseverance that defines marathon training.
A Deeply Personal Motivation
As a ballot runner, Vicky is under no obligation to fundraise. She could simply participate and enjoy the iconic event. However, her professional role at Saint Francis Hospice provided a compelling reason to do more. "Working at Saint Francis Hospice, I see every day the difference fundraising makes to hospices like ours," she explains. This insight led her to dedicate her run to the hospice. Then, in November last year, her motivation became profoundly personal when her mother, who had received extensive care from the hospice, sadly and unexpectedly passed away. This loss strengthened her resolve immeasurably.
The Vital Work of Saint Francis Hospice
Saint Francis Hospice is a cornerstone of care for communities across Havering, Brentwood, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham, and parts of West Essex. It provides essential palliative and end-of-life services completely free of charge to patients and their families. As an independent charity, it receives less than 30% of its funding from government or statutory sources.
This means the hospice must raise nearly £9 million of its £12 million annual operating costs through charitable donations. Fundraising isn't just important; it's absolutely vital for the hospice's survival. The support offered extends far beyond clinical medical care, encompassing community services, dedicated support groups, and comprehensive family assistance.
The Rigours of Marathon Training
Vicky began her formal training regimen in October, but her mother's passing necessitated a pause to regroup. She has since returned to her schedule with renewed focus and determination. Her weekly routine is demanding, involving at least three runs: an interval or tempo session to build speed, a shorter, easier recovery run, and a crucial long weekend run.
"The long runs are the toughest," she notes, "not just physically as the distances increase, but in how marathon training reshapes your life." From now until race day, her lifestyle is dedicated to the challenge, featuring early nights, early mornings, abstaining from social events, and logging countless miles on the pavement. She is grateful for the full support of her family throughout this intensive process.
A Call for Community Support
To maximise her impact, Vicky is reaching out to the local business community and the public for support. She is seeking raffle prizes for an upcoming fundraising quiz night and welcomes any donations to her official fundraising page. Every contribution directly aids Saint Francis Hospice in continuing its incredible, life-changing work for the community.
Vicky's journey from a non-runner to a London Marathon participant for Saint Francis Hospice is a powerful testament to personal resilience and community spirit. Her story highlights the critical role of local charities and the profound difference individual efforts can make.
