King George & Queen’s Hospitals Charity marathon fundraisers

Their fundraising supported the King George and Queen’s Hospitals Charity, which helps to enhance hospital environments and improve care for patients at both hospitals.

One of the runners was Barbara Kaumu, interim CEO of the charity, who described the marathon as a challenging but rewarding experience.

Barbara Kaumu, interim CEO of the King George and Queen's Hospitals Charity, running the London Marathon (Image: BHR Hospitals)

Ms Kaumu said: "It was an epic experience and a real privilege to do for our charity. The atmosphere was incredible from start to finish.

"It was definitely a huge physical and mental challenge, adjusting to the heat and my legs cramping at mile 22. But seeing my family and the team along the route kept me going.

"Knowing I was running to support our patients, families, and staff got me to the finish line. A huge thank you to everyone who donated, sent messages of support, and cheered us on. Your support helps us continue making a real impact."

Gemma Blackabee, PA to the chief nurse, during the marathon (Image: BHR Hospitals)

Gemma Blackabee, PA to the chief nurse, also took part to give back after 15 years with the trust and for the care her family received at Queen’s Hospital, where all three of her sons were born.

She said: "It was amazing, there were thousands of people. I started to doubt myself on the start line and felt I wasn’t going to be able to do it but as soon as I started, the crowd got me through, though it got tough around mile 23.

"My partner Rob and eldest son Archie came to cheer me on. Archie complained his legs were killing him after all the walking he did – I couldn’t believe it.

"It’s given me a love of running as it really helps clear my head and I’m hoping to do the Southend half-marathon in June."

Pharmacist Katie Walford completed her first ever marathon to raise money in memory of her friend Abbie, who died of cancer when she was just 22 in 2019. She ran with her partner Jacob and between them they’ve raised over £5,000 for Marie Curie.

Pharmacist Katie Walford completed her first ever marathon to raise money in memory of her friend Abbie (Image: BHR Hospitals)

Katie, who has already entered the ballot for a place next year, said: “I wasn’t a runner but I wanted to do something in memory of my friend and if I was raising all this money, I wanted it to be challenging. I thought as I couldn’t even run up the stairs before without getting out of breath, this would be the biggest challenge, and it definitely was!

“At Abbie’s funeral she asked us to wear yellow; and I ran the marathon in yellow, it felt like a fitting tribute and was nice for her family. Running the marathon was the best day of my life, the crowds and the atmosphere were amazing. I was running beside so many great people, it really is the best of Britain.”

Katie’s colleagues Vincent Swann and Hannah Dalton took part after securing places in the marathon ballot, whereas our other runners secured charity spaces.

Vincent Swann running the marathon (Image: BHR Hospitals)

Hannah, who is partially sighted, also completed the marathon last year to raise money for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) with her younger brother Patrick as her guide.

BHRUT critical care pharmacist Hannah Dalton, who is partially sighted, and her younger brother and guide Patrick (Image: BHR Hospitals)

Chloe Brewster ran the marathon to give back after her grandfather had lifesaving cancer surgery in 2020 – allowing him to attend her wedding this year.

Chloe Brewster with her finisher's medal (Image: BHR Hospitals)

She said: "I had the most incredible experience.

"From start to finish I was smiling and really taking in the atmosphere - it was amazing to be part of something so special, and to support such a great charity. Seeing my family and friends along the route gave me such a boost, and being surrounded by so many inspiring participants made it even more memorable.

"The London Marathon crowd just cannot be beaten. Afterwards I was feeling incredibly grateful, so proud of myself, and inspired."

Ollie and his wife Terri before the run (Image: BHR Hospitals)

Father-of-two Ollie Durham also completed the race to thank staff at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Queen’s Hospital. His eldest son, Oscar, spent 73 days in the NICU after being born at just 27 weeks.

He said: "It was an amazing experience. It was very tough but all the support from friends and family along the way helped and pushed me to the end."

The King George and Queen’s Hospitals Charity has opened applications for one of four spaces to raise money in the 2027 London Marathon.