My Story

My name is Eileen McElhone

I am taking on one of the biggest challenges one can by running the London Marathon 2023.

What made you want to take part in the London?
I have wanted to take part in the London Marathon ever since I joined my local running club Badgers. But even when I was a kid watching it on TV and then later looking out to see if I could spot my brother Eamon when he ran it, I thought I'd love to do that! 
Running on behalf of a hospice charity, means I can run in memory of my parents and do them proud 🥹 ❤️

Why did you decide to support the Mary Ann Evans Hospice ?
The Hospice is a fantastic charity and I wanted to support a local charity, and one that supports local people going through the worst of times. It provides the most incredible help, support and service that people will remember forever, I'm sure. I lost both my parents to brain cancer, so this kind of charity means a hell of a lot to me, and very dear to my heart!

Facing the challenges with fundraising and training:
The obvious challenges are the cost of living crisis From a fundraising perspective, as I know, money is extremely tight for many. I'm just hoping people can find a few pound to spare, but even pennies to be honest, as every penny helps, no mattter the size of the donation, myself and the hospice will be extremely grateful for your support.
Now that the marathon is back to April, I'm better suited to cooler weather training than in heat!
The 5.30am starts for long runs in freezing temperatures might change my mind though.
I know it's going to be the challenge of a lifetime, but my club has some seasoned marathoners that I can call on for advice..
I don't want to leave it too late to start training, so I shall be doing a 18 week programme  rather than the traditional 12 week.
Training for a marathon is a good opportunity and incentive to think about your overall health, that includes diet. So I’m on plan already.

Please support me in this challenge:
by donating however small, or large🙂 it will give me a massive boost to my training.

What I'm most looking forward to with this event?
I'm looking forward to seeing my family and friends during the run!
Running past Buckingham Palace and seeing the crowds at Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and the Mall at the finish line will also be very special!
I feel grateful that I have the privilege to take part and raise money for Mary Ann Evans. Training for the marathon will keep me sane throughout the winter .....the end of the race will be extremely emotional I'm sure 🥲

I am extremely proud of my two daughters, I've been though a very sad and difficult time in my personal life, they along with me, are coming out the otherside now. I by doing the marathon I'm hopefully showing them, no matter how tough life gets, what life throws at you, you can get over it and move on, start again. change is part of life and you can do anything if you are determined enough. I know my girls are extremely proud of me and I'm sure my parents would be too, I'm sure they'll be with me every step of the way on the 26.2 mile route 🥰😘