Christine joined #TeamSueRyder for the 2022 TCS London Marathon, after her partner Chris was cared for by Sue Ryder before he died of cancer in February 2020.

"I was watching the London Marathon last year and thought to myself, I want to do it again. My family said to me ‘but you’re 67!’ and I said ‘so what?’. I honestly can’t praise Sue Ryder enough. There’s not enough money in the world to repay them for the job they do, but I want to do everything I can to give something back.

"I lost Chris on 29 February 2020, just before the first lockdown. He had a four-year fight with cancer. He went into remission, but unfortunately it then came back.

"The care from Sue Ryder was incredibly personal. I felt as if I was getting hugged in there – it was like a virtual hug. Because I’d been Chris’s carer, I was trying to get him into his bed, but the nurses said ‘don’t worry, we’ll look after him and we’ll look after you too’. They were so kind. I got phone calls from Sue Ryder throughout the pandemic to check I was alright. They said I could ring anytime if I needed support.

"Running definitely helps with my grief. I sort problems out in my head while I’m running and start talking to myself about everything. I feel so relaxed when I get back. I’m so glad I was given this opportunity. Doing it in memory of Chris was very emotional for me, as last time I did it, Chris was there with me. He’d say ‘you’re mad!’, but I know he’d be proud of me."

By joining the Sue Ryder team, you can help us provide the expert end-of-life care and bereavement support that makes such a difference to families like Christine’s.

You’ll get tailored support every step of the way, including:

• a post-marathon reception with a sports massage, food and drink
• a personalised running vest
• support from multiple Sue Ryder cheerpoints on Marathon Day
• photos from the big day from our professional photographer
• training tips from our Team GB coach
• one-to-one support from the fundraising team throughout

To join #TeamSueRyder and help ensure that no one has to face death or grief alone, click here or email events@sueryder.org. Thank you.