The London Marathon is the biggest annual fundraising event in the world, and our charity was privileged to have 25 incredible runners amongst the 50,000 taking part this year.

Each of them had trained for months, through one of the wettest winters in history, many had never run a marathon before and all wanted to support the hospital causes closest to their hearts.

Max Komodikis, from Deddington near Banbury, ran to say thank you for care he received eight years ago when, at the age of 14, he faced the daunting diagnosis of mouth cancer.

To celebrate two years of being cancer-free, Max signed up for Team Oxford Hospitals Charity and completed the 26.2 mile course in 4 hours 21 mins. 

He was thrilled to raise an incredible £5,875 for the Churchill Hospital which saved his life.

Warren Richards had his life turned upside down when his son, Matthew, faced a near-fatal accident at just ten years old. 

Matthew is now thriving, studying Astrophysics at University, so a decade after the accident Warren ran to give back to the hospital that saved his son’s life. Warren completed the run in 4h 35m 29s  and raised over £4,000!

Father and son, Gianfranco and Ignazio Messina crossed the line within minutes of each other!

59 year old Ignazio finished first, in 3h 18m 25s, with Gianfranco close behind in 3h 22m 53s 

The pair ran for our IMPS fund, the Injury Minimisation Program for Schools, which provides vital first aid and safety training for schoolchildren in Oxfordshire 

Gianfranco said: “My incredible father, Ignazio, set a remarkable goal for himself as he approached turning 60 – to conquer the prestigious 'Big 6' world marathons. This is no small feat, considering he started running at age 57! So we decided to run together.

“We were delighted to run for I.M.P.S - as a doctor, I have witnessed first-hand the profound impact of preventive measures, especially when it comes to the well-being of children.”

Ben Amos’s inspiration for his marathon was his little boy Jacob.

When Jacob was just 11 months old he was having trouble walking, standing, sitting or even smiling. He was diagnosed with an incredibly rare neurological condition called Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome, which is often triggered by cancer.

Fortunately, Jacob’s tests came back showing no cancer but he will have the neurological condition for the rest of his life.

Ben told us: “I ran for the Oxford Children's Hospital who care for Jacob as he will be under their care for the next 5-10 years.” Ben finished the run in 3h 44m 33s and raised an amazing £5,506.

Ed Reynolds was running his first ever marathon – and smashed it, finishing in 3hr 15m 57s.

He was inspired by the care his 97 year old granny received in our hospitals during Covid, saying “Her iron will and the supreme care of all at the Churchill and JR ensured she came home. She also has huge respect for the Horton and how they have supported her over the years.  Granny is still going strong aged 97 and is an inspiration to our family.”

Ed has raised over £7,216 with money still coming in!

There were also hospital staff taking part in the world famous event, including Megan Bray who works in Voluntary Services and finished in a fantastic 4h 42m 37s and Milica Redfearn, Director of Midwifery who ran for our Silver Star Maternity Fund for the second year in a row.

Also running for Silver Star was 19 year old Reuben Muston, a talented boxer from Caversham.

Reuben was diagnosed with a rare blood condition at 17, and says our hospitals gave him the best care he could have hoped for when he had a stem cell transplant: “I can honestly say I owe them my life”.  
Having spent some time in the Children’s Hospital at the start of his treatment he wanted to support other families so.

He completed the marathon in 3h 34m 53s and his amazing efforts raised £4,755

Christian McGuinness, headteacher at Woodstock CE Primary ran the route in 3h 51m 13s and Denise Taylor completed the route in 5h 50m 14s – both running for I.M.P.S

These are just a few of our Team 2024 – and we are so grateful to each of the 25, who together have raised over £60,000!

Claire Hughes from Oxford Hospitals Charity, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to the whole team of runners who supported Oxford Hospitals Charity and all our special causes.

“There were some super speedy runners this year, but far more important every runner crossed the line and had an amazing day. And together they have done something incredible – raising such an incredible amount for our special hospital causes. 

“We just loved cheering them on and feel so proud of each and every one of them.”
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The London Marathon Ballot is open until Friday 26 April – so if you’ve been inspired do try and get a place  – but also let us know if this is something you’d love to do as we have a small number of charity places every year.

Not quite ready for a marathon? You can also sign up to be part of our Oxford Half Marathon team. You get half price entry to this beautifu October event, plus training support.

Drop us a call to find out how you can get involved 0300 373 1188

Find out more at www.hospitalcharity.co.uk/Event/oxhalf October event, plus training support.