Among the 56,000 runners expected to compete in this year’s London Marathon on Sunday, April 27, will be three Liverpool locals each raising money for Merseyside children’s charities.
With just days to go, after months of winter training, and thousands of pounds already raised, Merseysportlive caught up with the runners to hear about their causes.
Chris Spruce – Elsie’s Story
In October, Elsie’s Story was founded in honour of seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, who, along with six-year-old Bebe King, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, was killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July’s tragic Southport attacks.
The charitable trust, founded by Elsie’s parents, Jenni and David Stancombe, was set up to continue their daughter’s “positivity, love for others and energy of life,” with the goal of making grants to causes for young people in her name.
The focus of the grants includes “community projects, medical care and support for individuals and families, good causes involving fun, and bringing the community together.”
In London, 11 runners will be taking on the marathon to raise money for the trust, including Elsie’s father David, whose JustGiving page has already raised an incredible £20,000.
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Another is Chris Spruce, a 36-year-old secondary school teacher from Liverpool, whose decision to raise money for Elsie’s Story, made alongside his wife Jen and two young daughters, was a “no-brainer.”
“New [charities] need all the support they can get so it became quite an easy choice then when you factor in the personal circumstances of the family.
“When you meet Jenni and David, you see the commitment that they have to turning this into something positive and I think that’s what people are on board with.
“Decent people want to see that positive outcome from something tragic… and it’s already happening – they’re having an impact with the charity already.”
Chris has raised over £1,000 through Just Giving, along with an extraordinary £2,500 with the help of pupils and parents at Calderstones School – with some students even coming in with sponsorship forms of up to £120 to take part in an inter-form running event.
You can donate to Chris’ London Marathon JustGiving page for Elsie’s Story here.
Alan Rothwell – Claire House
Seventeen years since his last marathon, Alan Rothwell, 69, returns to London for his final 26.2-mile run, along with his youngest daughter Abbie, 30, to raise money for Claire House Children’s Hospice.
Claire House is a Merseyside charity that helps seriously and terminally ill children, and their families, by providing specialist nursing and end-of-life care, as well as emotional support.
Alan, founder and race director of running event organisers BTR Liverpool, will be taking on his 44th marathon on Sunday, and has been mentoring daughter Abbie in preparation for her first ever.
“I’ve been saying she’s got all the enthusiasm and fitness and I’ve got all the experience, we’re a good combination,” he said.
“For me, it’s like starting again, it’s hard work. So, if I can get her to the start line in a good, positive frame of mind, I’ll just allow her to run off and really, really enjoy the day because it’s a sensational day.”
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Having reached their donation goal of £5,000, Alan also reflected on the level of support he and Abbie have received for their cause, as well as the power running has to make a difference.
“It’s amazing to see the sport grow from what it was in the seventies to where it is now and how much goodwill is generated, as well as the amazing funds.
“With the running community base that we’ve got to appeal to, I think we’re going to smash that amount.”
You can donate to Alan and Abbie’s fundraiser for Claire House here.
Callan Beckett – Cash for Kids
Running for Cash for Kids across Liverpool and North Wales is 32-year-old account manager and former semi-pro Rugby League player Callan Beckett, from Widnes.
Cash for Kids is a grant-giving charity that works with businesses, community groups, and other charities to support children and young people affected by poverty, abuse, neglect, life-limiting illness, and those with additional needs.
Callan became affiliated with Cash for Kids through his work in account management, and was inspired to run his first ever marathon for them, particularly after taking part in their Mission Christmas campaign.
“[The campaign] was essentially picking and packing presents for disadvantaged children over the Christmas period, choosing presents to give to them,” Callan explained.
“But also hearing the stories behind the reasons why they potentially weren’t going to be afforded the luxury of those things. Especially as a dad of two myself, it was heartbreaking and really sad to hear.”
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For the marathon, Callan set out to hit £1,000 in donations for Cash for Kids, something he was “absolutely chuffed” to have achieved earlier in April.
“I know it will go to a great cause. Over the holiday periods, for children going to school, [Cash for Kids] have a hunger campaign.
“A lot of this money will go direct to that… children who might not necessarily get access to a hot meal during the holiday periods, it makes sure that they will.”
You can donate to Callan’s fundraiser for Cash for Kids here.
(Images used in featured image provided by Chris Spruce, Alan Rothwell, and Callan Beckett (left to right) respectively)
