A hospice is appreciative of a last-minute entrant to the London Marathon who is running to help them raise money.

A running enthusiast, who was given his spot in the London Marathon at the very last minute, is gearing up to raise hundreds of pounds for Katharine house, a hospice in Banbury.

After a supporter was forced to drop out of the marathon in aid of the hospice a day before registration closed, Tommy Kinch jumped at the chance to take the spot.

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Now, having had just 40 days to train for the event this weekend, Banbury-based Tommy has been working hard to get in shape and raise money for the hospice, which took care of his mum until she dies from cancer four years ago.

Mr Kinch said: “Since my mum passed away a few years ago, I had been hoping to get a place in the London Marathon, but never succeeded.

“Even with the short notice, the majority of my family and friends are all coming to the big smoke to cheer me on and are very excited for me.

“I think, because I will have the thought of my mum and Katharine House pushing me throughout the event, seeing those faces will make it so encouraging and emotional along the way.

“Throughout my mum’s illness, and her battle with the disease in the latter stages, Katharine House provided my mum and our family with unconditional support and care.

“In our darkest moments as a family, Katharine House seemed to shine a light, and for that we are so grateful.

“In response to that, I have always wanted to give back as much as I can to this amazing hospice.

“Katharine House is a big part of so many people’s lives and everybody I know who has been through the worst stages of their lives suffering a loss, has always found a positive in the love and care that Katharine House provides.”

Last year, Mr Kinch and his friend Niall took it upon themselves to complete the virtual London Marathon around Banbury, raising over £2,000 for Katharine house.

Mr Kinch, a self-employed electrician and assistant manager of a local football club, Easington Sports, has already raised more than £1,000 in sponsorship for this year’s event.

If you would like to sponsor Mr Kinch, visit Tommy Kinch is fundraising for Katharine House Hospice - Banbury (justgiving.com).

HRH The Princess of Wales officially opened Katharine House Hospice on October 14, 1991.

Since then, the hospice has met the emotional, physical and medical needs of thousands of people affected by life-limiting illnesses.

 

Read more from this author

This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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