To prepare for his 11th London Marathon in aid of the local hospice charity, Ian Ramsay, 57, and his friends Dave Toye and Nick Mortimer will be attempting seven half-marathons in seven days from Monday 1st August across Southend.

This is the second time the friends have completed this particular challenge. After Ian had to defer his London Marathon place last year, they completed the same challenge last summer, which included running along the seafront, across Shoebury and through Benfleet.

After completing continuous training sessions and a strenuous 31-mile Thames Path run in July, Ian, Dave and Nick are ready for next week’s challenge which will include them taking on a 13-mile run on the Leigh Steps.

Ian started raising money for Havens Hospices when he first started running and because of his links with the local football club Leigh Rockets. He said: “I wanted to choose a charity to support close to home and which is well known in the community for the work that it does. I have had an amazing experience running for Havens Hospices; by running for a local charity you have a more personal experience where you are offered helpful advice and support every step of the way.

“We can’t thank all our family and friends enough for the support and donations we have had so far, it’s really been spurring us on and we know it will make such a huge difference to the families Havens Hospices care for across Essex. The support and training for the challenge have really given me that push in preparation for the London Marathon in October, which I cannot wait for.

“This year we have raised over £600 which we are incredibly proud of and hope after completing the marathon in October I will be able to reach my fundraising target of £2,000.”

Dave is also on course to raise a further £500 for the charity through his workplace’s grants scheme and volunteer programme.

Judy Grocott, Head of Fundraising at Havens Hospices said, “As a charity, Havens Hospices, which includes Fair Havens in Prittlewell and Little Havens in Benfleet, relies on the support and generosity of the local community to raise funds towards its care services. Havens Hospices doesn’t charge a penny for any of its care and that’s thanks to people like Ian, Nick and Dave who take on amazing challenges to help fund our specialist bereavement, respite and end-of-life support.”

To support Ian, Nick and Dave and make a donation towards their fundraising efforts visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Ian-Ramsay8

If you would like to take on the iconic London Marathon in April 2023, Havens Hospices still have a few charity places available. For more information visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/events

Published 28th July 2022