A BIG THANK YOU from Dr Richard

On Sunday 3rd October, our hospice consultant, Dr Richard Latten, completed the London Marathon, 2021, in just under 4 hours and 17 minutes. It was a great achievement!

Along the way he has now raised over £4,000 for Wirral Hospice St John’s. Thank You Richard!

These are his reflections;

“A few days on and I’m still buzzing (and aching!) from the experience of my first ever marathon in London.  It’s hard to find the words to describe what it’s meant to me.  Over the last 6 months since gaining the place to run the marathon for the hospice I’ve gone through so many emotions.  Ranging from happiness to fear, feeling the pressure to fundraise and train, but with a great sense of purpose and focus leading up to the event, to feelings of exhaustion, relief and achievement when crossing the finish line. 

I originally put myself forward for the marathon to challenge myself, boost my own wellbeing while also raising vital funds for a charity close to my heart.  I could never have imagined how much the journey from application to finish line would affect me.  From anxiety over every minor injury and niggle leading up to the race, the relief of getting to the start line intact, to the sheer joy of hearing the cheering crowds lining the route.  To hear so many strangers shouting ‘Go Richard!’ really helped keep me going. 

Connecting with people along the way has been a major bonus.  From meeting new people in the running club I joined to help get me in shape for London, to the numerous people who got in touch to wish me well.  An extra special connection was the opportunity to run the entire 26.2 miles alongside my friend from university, Stan.  By chance we’d both been allocated to the same start wave and while we didn’t intend to run the whole thing together, we found it helped so much having company we kept on going together.  It was a real privilege to share the marathon experience with him and cross the finish line together.

The whole marathon process has given me lots of new experiences.  It’s taken a bit of getting used to seeing articles about me feature in a number of Wirral publications and the cardboard cut-out versions of me popping up in various places around the Wirral.  While my introvert nature has found the publicity a little uncomfortable, I’ve been so grateful for the opportunity to promote my fundraising and help raise the much needed funds for the hospice.

There are so many people who’ve helped me along the way.  I’ll be forever grateful for the kindness and generosity of all those who’ve supported me. 

Thank you so much, I’ve really appreciated all your help and support.  There are too many to name individually, but special thanks must go to the fundraising team in the hospice whose support has been fantastic, my family for putting up with all my marathon related absences over the months, and everyone in our Wirral community, and from wider afield, who so very kindly sponsored me.  I’ve been completely humbled by each and every donation. The whole journey has been very, very memorable. 

Would I do it again given the opportunity?  Absolutely!

Once again a massive Thank You to you, everyone!”

Richard

If you would like to do a run, walk or other personal or group challenge for Wirral Hospice St John’s please call our friendly fundraisers on 0151-343-0778 for a chat or email events@wirralhospice.org for any advice and help you may need.

We’ll be delighted to hear from you.

(You may also like to consider receiving our regular e-newsletter which has all the latest hospice news and information and updates on upcoming fundraising campaigns, events and activities)