St Christopher’s Hospice is celebrating an exceptional fundraising achievement after 26 runners in this year’s London Marathon collectively raised more than £120,000 to support end of life and bereavement care across south London.

The hospice had eight charity place runners and 18 ballot place runners taking part this year’s London Marathon.

Amongst the runners, was novice runner Astrid, with a deeply personal marathon journey. Astrid raised an incredible £22,500.

Astrid’s husband Theo, died just over a year ago. Running the marathon became her way of reclaiming a day that once symbolised pure joy for their family, and of honouring the man who loved the event more than anything.

Astrid, St Christopher’s Runner, said: “The London Marathon was Theo’s favourite day of the year,”

“He was obsessed with it, encouraging everyone he knew to enter, running with such joy and determination, and somehow always pulling off incredible times. His dream for 2025 was to run a sub‑3‑hour marathon.”
Theo died in January 2025, and when marathon day arrived three months later, Astrid described it as one of the darkest days of her life. Astrid said, “Last year I found the day so triggering. It felt like it represented all the happiness we’d lost. I sat in the house with his ashes on my lap and bawled.”

Astrid then decided to enter the ballot for the 2026 marathon so her daughters, Mollie and Elodie, could once again experience the excitement of cheering someone on.
Astrid said, “I want my kids to enjoy it again, to paint their signs and have someone to shout for. It will always be painful, but I’m hoping this will help us reclaim the day.”

Astrid is running in support of St Christopher’s, who have provided bereavement support to her and five‑year‑old Mollie through the Candle Child Bereavement Service.

Astrid continued: “From two weeks after Theo died, St Christopher’s has been our anchor. The Candle team reassured me, supported me, and made Mollie’s sessions so gentle and fun. Even the small acts of kindness; a coffee, a biscuit, someone sitting with me when I was crying, meant everything. They’ve been emotionally invested in us from the start.”

Astrid has also found comfort in group sessions with other bereaved parents and in the hospice’s remembrance events, where her family has tied ribbons and lit candles in Theo’s memory. “For us, the marathon has to return to what it was for Theo, a symbol of resilience, strength, and the courage to keep moving forward.”

Her story sits alongside those other St Christopher’s runners, each motivated by their own connection to the hospice. Together, their efforts have created the charity’s most successful marathon fundraising year.
Christine Davies, Head of Fundraising at St Christopher’s, said: “We are absolutely thrilled and incredibly moved by what our London Marathon team has achieved. To raise over £120,000 between just 26 runners is extraordinary. Their passion, their stories, and their commitment to supporting the hospice shine through every mile.

“Astrid’s journey in particular reminds us why our work matters so deeply. Her strength, and the love she carries for Theo and her daughters, has inspired so many people. We couldn’t be prouder of her and of the whole team.”

Funds raised will help the vital work St Christopher’s do by continuing to providing expert end of life care and bereavement services for those in the community each year.