Running for Dad: 240 Miles, One Hospice, and a Promise Never to Forget

Springhill Hospice has always been there when people need it most – offering compassion, dignity and care at life’s most difficult moments. But that care only exists because of the generosity of the local community.

Now, two runners are taking on an extraordinary challenge to make sure that care continues.

In April 2026, Alex and James will run the London Marathon in honour of Alex’s dad, Darren, whose final days were spent under the care of Springhill Hospice. And now, that commitment is being taken to the extreme.

Alex and James won’t just be running the 2026 London Marathon; they’ll also be running all the way from Rochdale to London to complete it! 

Setting off on Tuesday 21 April from Springhill Hospice, the pair will run 214 miles over five days, arriving in London on Saturday, before lining up for the Marathon the following day. In total, they will cover an astonishing 240 miles in six days. The pair are aiming to raise £26,000, with every penny going directly towards supporting Springhill Hospice’s vital work.

Alex’s dad, Darren, was just 45 when he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2012. Fit, active and full of life, his diagnosis came as a devastating shock to his family. At the time, they were told that one in three people diagnosed with MND would die within a year.

But Darren was a fighter. He lived well for eight years after his diagnosis, defying the odds until January 2020, when he finally needed the support of Springhill Hospice. Darren died on the 23rd January, after one precious night at the Hospice; a night that would leave a lifelong impact on his family.

‘I don’t know what we would have done without Springhill Hospice. The care given to my dad and our family was incredible, which made the most traumatic time of our lives that bit easier. Springhill Hospice is a pillar of our community and we need to do everything we can to keep the doors open’.

That experience would go on to shape Alex’s future. In February 2024, Alex joined Springhill Hospice as Head of Income Generation and Marketing, overseeing Retail, Fundraising and Marketing, driven by one clear mission; to ensure the Hospice can continue to provide vital care to others who need it most.

Springhill Hospice exists because people give, because communities care and because stories like Darren’s remind us why it matters.

Hospices across the country are facing an unprecedented funding crisis, with many already being forced to reduce services and nearly half at risk of further cuts or even closure. The commitment shown by supporters —who go to extraordinary lengths to sustain these vital services—is nothing short of remarkable, and their support is needed now more than ever. Alex and James are asking the community to stand with them, every step, every mile, every donation, and help ensure Springhill Hospice can continue to be there for people when they need it most.

To sponsor Alex and James and support Springhill Hospice, please donate today.