A woman from Essex is set to take on this year’s London Marathon in memory of her younger sister, raising vital funds for the Essex children’s hospice that supported her family throughout her life.

Isabelle has chosen to run the 26.2 miles for Little Havens, part of Havens Hospices, in honour of her sister Lili, who was born with a rare degenerative condition and needed specialist care throughout her life.

Growing up, she and her sisters, Lili and Lucia, spent many weekends at Little Havens during respite stays.

“We have such fond memories of spending weekends at Little Havens,” she said. “We were always in the ball pool, swimming and enjoying the good food that the chefs cooked. It felt like a second home to me growing up and made our lives full of joy.”

Knowing how much Little Havens meant to them, the family chose for Lili to spend her final days at the hospice before she passed away in August 2024.

“In the most difficult of circumstances, we knew as a family that Little Havens was the place where we wanted to be. I will never forget the care we received there, and the kindness of the staff in the days that followed. We are so grateful for the love shown to Lili and to us.”

Taking on the London Marathon is a way for Isabelle to celebrate her sister’s life, while helping ensure other families continue to receive the same support.

“I wanted to do something special to remember and celebrate Lili and raise money in her honour, and the hospice felt like the perfect charity to run for.”

Training has been going well so far, and living in London has brought an added bonus for Isabelle.

“I’m really lucky to live in London, so I’m making the most of getting to see our beautiful city and all its iconic landmarks. It has also been great to attend some of the training runs at Little Havens too – it’s such a welcoming, inclusive group and it makes training feel that tiny bit easier.”

On the day itself, she is most looking forward to seeing loved ones lining the route. Isabelle added, “I’m most excited about seeing my friends and family on the route – and a glass of wine post-run! It feels so special to me that everybody there cheering me on will also be thinking about our lovely Lili, too.”

Little Havens relies heavily on donations and fundraising to continue providing its specialist care free of charge to families across Essex and the surrounding areas.

“The hospice does such fantastic work for so many families, but has to raise so much money to do so. Knowing that I have contributed to this work continuing would be incredible. Reaching my fundraising target would mean the world to me – to know that the money we have all raised will help the hospice continue to provide this invaluable care and support for other families in the way ours was supported throughout Lili’s life.”

To support her and help her reach her fundraising target, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/isabelle-de-cristofano-1

Published 18th March 2026