Meet our London Marathon Runners
In those 48,000 are some very special people who have spent the last 6 months fundraising for Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre. They’ve put in the steps, time and effort to ensure they are ready for their victory lap on Sunday 21st April in the UK’s capital.
They’re all ready to lace up their trainers, so we’d love to introduce you to some of the people who have shared the reasons why they’ve chosen to support Primrose and how they’ve been preparing. Keep reading to get to know them a little better…
Hi, I’m Michael Leech, I’m 29 years old. Bromsgrove born and bred. I am the son of the late Mark Leech, who was a trustee at Primrose Hospice for over 10 years. I work at Gymshark in the supply chain team, a job I got straight out of university 5.5 years ago and haven’t been anywhere else.
What inspired you to take part in the London Marathon and why did you choose Primrose as your charity to support?
I went and watched my mate’s run the London Marathon last year, and although it was really inspiring, I didn’t have any desire to run it in 2024. I wasn’t a runner and the thought of doing 5K was daunting. It was an impulsive decision about a week later which made me sign up to the ballot.
When I informed my family that I’d signed up, my Dad said I should take one of the Primrose charity places. I panicked and asked nervously- ‘can’t I wait to see if I get a ballot spot first?’
‘No, just do it for the Primrose’ was his response.
So, it was all decided fairly quickly. From then on until October 2023 I was running 2-3 times a week. I found it transformative. Got really hooked on it and started to feel much fitter and healthier.
And then on the 12th October, Dad suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. My world was turned upside down and in those early days it was running and the thought of this marathon that got me through it.
I’m thankful that my Dad has given me something I now have a true passion for. Something that has given me purpose and a new found confidence in myself.
The fact that 6 months after he passed away, I will be running the marathon in his memory, on behalf of a Hospice/charity that he was so passionate about, a charity that mirrors all the amazing things about him- compassion and community, it blows my mind a little.
I feel genuinely honoured to be running it this year and I will give it every last bit of effort I have.
Is this your first time doing a marathon and what are you most looking forward to?
This will be my first marathon. It won’t be my last one though. I can’t wait for the whole experience of the day. Everyone says how good London is. To be running it with four people I know very well- Birch, Jamie, Harrison, and Rich, will be really special. But the thought of crossing the finish line with my family and friends there waiting. That’s what I’m looking forward to most.
What’s your favourite post training snack?
I usually have to wait an hour or two after the long runs before I start feeling human again. But Squares bars or anything carb heavy- bread, pasta etc.
Do you have any tips for your fellow team?
Vaseline is your friend. Use it generously.
Hey, my name is Harrison and I currently work in the sports and activities higher education University sector and have done for 4 years now. I have a huge passion for everything sports, health and fitness. I really love spending time with my partner, family and beautiful dog Luna.
What inspired you to take part in the London Marathon and why did you choose Primrose as your charity to support?
I had been trying to get a ballot place for several years as it has always been a dream of mine to take the London Marathon on and really challenge myself. I chose this charity because a close friend’s Dad was a trustee for Primrose Hospice and had been for many years, with his guidance and support he was the reason I got a charity place in the London Marathon April 2024. However unfortunately we received devastating news that he unexpectedly passed away in 2023. This has only further enhanced the importance of fundraising and completing the London Marathon April 2024 for Primrose Hospice in aid of his memory and legacy with the charity.
Is this your first time doing a marathon and what are you most looking forward to?
I am super excited to be running my first ever marathon in London on behalf of Primrose. I’m most looking forward to the overall physical and mental challenge, atmosphere and family supporting me on the day of the marathon and most importantly having all those incredible endorphins released in the lead up to the London marathon finish line!
What’s your favourite post training snack?
Sourdough bread, banana, almond butter and honey. My partner’s home-made protein balls are delightful too!
Do you have any tips for your fellow team?
Keep building and chipping away at the training it will all make sense on the day and fall into place. Be proud of how far you come and enjoy the next few weeks before the countdown begins. See you on the start line!
I’m Jamie! I’m 31 and live locally to Primrose and work at Gymshark with Mike (the running machine!). I’ve never really been much of a runner, but after calling it a day on my average amateur football career last year due to injuries I wanted a new sport to fill my weekends. I’m thoroughly enjoying the training for the marathon so far! It’s been amazing to push yourself and see what you’re capable of. I’m also getting married on June 1st so a busy few months ahead juggling the training and planning the wedding/doing as I’m told!
What inspired you to take part in the London Marathon and why did you choose Primrose as your charity to support?
I was lucky enough to go down last year to watch several friends run the London Marathon and it’s the most inspiring and impressive day. I thought after spectating I would love to run it one day, but it was Mike Leech who accelerated the plan when having a discussion at the coffee machine at work! He was adamant we should run the marathon in 2024 and that gave me the final bit of inspiration I needed to go for it!
The work you do in providing palliative care and bereavement support, (amongst other things) for local families in Bromsgrove and the surrounding areas is incredible and inspiring and I’m really proud to be able to run and raise money for Primrose Hospice. On a personal note both my Grandparents spent time in a hospice and the support and care they both received was something myself and my family never forget.
Finally, I’m running in the memory of Mark Leech. Primrose’s longest serving trustee who sadly passed away suddenly in October. His son and my good friend Mike Leech will be running and I’m desperate to support him on an emotional but inspiring day.
Is this your first time doing a marathon and what are you most looking forward to?
First time! Before I started my training I hadn’t completed a half marathon before so it’s been a bit of a shock to the system, but I’ve enjoyed (nearly) every run!
What’s your favourite post training snack?
A blue Powerade and a bag of Haribo! Not the most healthy but it does the trick for me.
Do you have any tips for your fellow team?
Keep working hard and listen to your body. You also always have a little bit more in the tank!
I’m Mike (29), I grew up in Bromsgrove and went to South Bromsgrove High School. I now live in London where I currently work as a Planning Manager for a national housebuilder. In my spare time, I enjoy watching and playing sport and therefore the physical and mental challenge of running a Marathon has always been very appealing to me.
What inspired you to take part in the London Marathon and why did you choose Primrose as your charity to support?
As a lot of my friends and family know, myself and Leech (also running the Marathon) were very inspired watching some of our closest friends run the London marathon last year. Shortly after the event, while sharing a couple of beers, we both agreed to enter for this year. Two weeks later, Leech’s Dad (Mark), a former trustee of this hospice, secured us charity places!
For me, the Hospice has provided care to both my paternal Grandmother and maternal Grandfather, who both received care from St Godwald’s towards the end of their fight with Cancer. My parents have always spoken very highly about the care and support that was provided at this time. It would mean a lot to me and them to be able to give back to this amazing charity.
Since our acceptance to run for the Hospice, sadly Mark passed away unexpectedly in October. For those that knew Mark, he was a larger than life man. I now feel an added duty to do my utmost and not let him down! This just further adds to my desire to run for the Hospice and contribute somewhat to such a respected charity, which is very close to my home.
Is this your first time doing a marathon and what are you most looking forward to?
This is my first Marathon and being London, I’ve heard such great things. I’m hoping that between the grind and pain to get it finished in a respectable time, I can really enjoy the whole day, the atmosphere last year was amazing.
What’s your favourite post training snack?
Post long run Pizza.
Do you have any tips for your fellow team?
In the hard moments, think of the hardest geezer running the length of Africa…
Hey, I’m Gabby, a fundraiser at Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre.
What inspired you to take part in the London Marathon and why did you choose Primrose as your charity to support?
Through working for Primrose Hospice, I’ve been inspired through helping others with their fundraising challenges, I saw this as the perfect chance to join in and check off a bucket list goal at the same time (before I turn 30 in September!). Primrose Hospice plays a vital role in the lives of the patients and families we support, and I feel so fortunate to be part of an organisation that makes such a meaningful difference.
Is this your first time doing a marathon and what are you most looking forward to?
This will be my first-ever marathon and probably the last! I have mix of nerves and excitement but I’m looking forward to seeing the amazing crowd cheering everyone on and hopefully spotting my lovely family amongst them.
What’s your favourite post training snack?
Post-run, I’m all about a refreshing smoothie, so I’ll definitely be on the hunt for a smoothie bar in London!
Do you have any tips for your fellow team?
To my fellow runners, for putting in the hard work to train and fundraise for Primrose, thank you so much. Enjoy every moment of the experience—you’re all fantastic!
If you are interested in a charity place for the 2025 London Marathon or would like to support us at any of our other events please contact us below:
T:01527 889 796
E: enquiries@primrosehospice.org
If running isn’t your thing, we’ve got plenty of other events throughout the year you could get involved with. Take a look here.
