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Beechcroft team run the London Marathon to support Hospice UK

Beechcroft team run the London Marathon to support Hospice UK

Father and daughter team, Chris and Emily Thompson represented retirement specialist, Beechcroft, at the London Marathon 2024.

Running partners, Managing Director, Chris, and Land Manager, Emily, who were raising money for Hospice UK, completed the marathon in a personal best of just 4 hours and 31 minutes. The pair finished just behind Sir Jim Ratclife, the British billionaire and co-owner of Manchester United, who was determined to complete the marathon in time to make the FA cup semi-final kick-off at Wembley.

The pre-race preparations were not without their challenges. The pair, who wanted to run together, had to overcome the logistical issues of separate start times, there were several last-minute wardrobe changes and Chris faced some issues with his mobile which wasn’t working. By the time they took their positions on the start line, however, the father and daughter team had already raised over £19,000 towards their £20,000 target. Donations are still being accepted and, as Emily comments, every donation, large or small, makes a difference.

Inside the drawing room at an apartment in Windsor

“Running the London Marathon proved memorable for both of us. The furthest we’d run before was 22 miles,” comments Chris. “The crowds at Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and Victoria Embankment were amazing – really encouraging. For me, the sight of Emily sprinting for a taxi after the finish line was a highlight – it rivalled anything else she had done in the race itself. The roast dinner we enjoyed after the run was spectacular – and most welcome.”

Despite all the highs and lows of taking part in the London Marathon, neither Chris nor Emily lost sight of the reason for their participation in support of Hospice UK – as Chris explains:

“My sister, Sally - Emily’s aunt - sadly passed away in April 2023, just a few days before her 57th birthday. Sally, an accomplished skier and hockey player, was great fun – always full of life, with a ‘can do’ attitude. She had a stellar corporate HR business career in the UK and China and was invested in coaching and helping people achieve their potential. “In the final stages of her illness, she was cared for by the Thames Hospice ‘At Home’ team, who were available day and night and always with a smile and kind words. They made her comfortable and supported the family.”

“The other reason for supporting Hospice UK is Beechcroft’s close connection to the Thames Hospice in Windsor. In 2022, Thames Hospice relocated from its site in Hatch Lane to a wonderful new building overlooking Bray Lake, funded by the sale of the site to Beechcroft. The 29-bed hospice was opened by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth in July 2022 – her last filmed public engagement. Beechcroft is currently redeveloping the Hatch Lane site, creating a collection of elegant houses and apartments, designed for the over 55s.

Chris and Emily embarked on a rigorous training regime in preparation for the London Marathon and achieved personal bests at the Hampton Court Half Marathon in March which they ran in just one hour and 57 minutes. Participation in the London Marathon has not deterred the pair who are already considering running another marathon this year.

Anyone who wishes to support Chris and Emily’s fund raising for this very worthy cause will be able to donate on www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chrisandemilythompson.