Perhaps one of the most iconic marathons in the world, the 2025 London Marathon is taking place on Sunday, April 27. Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice is privileged to have 11 people taking on this epic challenge in order to raise money for us. Many of them are running in memory of their loved ones. Here are just some of their stories:
Rhiannon Griffiths, Swansea
“My nephew Elis Gruffudd and the family experienced 10 years of support with Tŷ Hafan until he passed away. From family days, whole family respite care, end of life support and bereavement counselling.
“Elis had cerebral palsy but spoke with his eyes – always bright and smiley because of the love that my brother and Nia always showed him. The memories that my brother Hefin, sister-in-law Nia and Elis’ siblings, Marged and Osian, have from Tŷ Hafan are utterly amazing and they, along with the family are forever grateful.
“For this reason, I would like to show my support by raising funds to help with the continuing life changing, amazing work that you do by representing Tŷ Hafan in the London 2025 Marathon.
“I have completed the Liverpool marathon in 4hrs 20 and completed 12 half marathons including Swansea/Cardiff/Newport and Llanelli. I run 3/4 times a week averaging 15 miles. My pace is around the 9:30 min mile by now as I have two benign tumours in my womb but these do not deter me from trying to keep fit and healthy. Diolch am bopeth. Rhiannon x”
Learn more on Rhiannon’s fundraising page.
Robert Hartshorn, Cardiff
“I am running the London Marathon 2025 for Tŷ Hafan in memory of my grandson, Arthur Harris.
“Tŷ Hafan came into our lives at a time when we were trying to come to terms with events that we never imagined we would experience.
“They gave us advice, support, and understanding that we will always be grateful for.
“We have visited Tŷ Hafan’s lovely facilities in Sully and seen the incredible support they are able to provide to families.
“I am proud to be associated with Tŷ Hafan through London Marathon fundraising. All of the amazing people who have shown their support with their kind words and donations will be in my thoughts on the start line, as will Arthur every step of the way.”
Learn more on Robert’s fundraising page.
Ali Johnson, Endon
“My best friend is called Hywel Tyler. My first contact with Tŷ Hafan came when I witnessed the incredible care and love they showed to his family and his AMAZING boy Noah in 2011 as he received end-of-life care. I witnessed first-hand the warm, welcoming, loving embrace of a community that allowed them as a family to grieve, laugh and be held as their world fell apart. Noah was a very special boy, he had the most profound impact on me.
“I have run four half marathons and one marathon. I have plenty more in the diary for this year too.”
Learn more on Ali’s fundraising page.
Joanne Rowe, Ystrad Mynach
Tŷ Hafan were amazing when supporting my cousin and her family with baby Violet. Sadly, Violet had a rare genetic condition and passed away last year. Tŷ Hafan, helped arranged my cousin’s wedding so that baby Violet could be there for their special day. The nurses were amazing and I just want to be able to give something back to this wonderful charity.
“I’ve done Cardiff half marathon and a number of 10k runs.”
Learn more on Joanne’s fundraising page.
Christopher Thomas, Caerphilly
“I’m a Tŷ Hafan dad (Scarlett’s dad). I started fundraising for Tŷ Hafan I think in 2017 and since have done many races etc (Cardiff half, trail races, tough mudders etc) also all of the big dads’ challenges and played with the Tŷ Hafan All Stars Ice Hockey Team. I have never been lucky enough to get a space via the London marathon ballot system. So I thought I’d try this.
“I’ve done lots of 10km, a few half marathons, a few tough mudders (including infinity 8.5hr), and trail races up to 33miles.”
Learn more on Christopher’s fundraising page.
James Barker, Ammanford
“For many years I have been involved with a young lady who accessed Tŷ Hafan. On many visits to Tŷ Hafan it always inspired and emotionally affected me on how everything is catered for both the child and their families. The staff are incredible, dedicated to those children and families that need them at the most difficult times and yet Tŷ Hafan makes it as wonderful as it can be, celebrating the lives of children that are taken too soon.
“So far I have done 10K, half marathon, marathon, triathlons, duathlons. I run 3/5 times a week.”
Learn more on James’ fundraising page.
Lindsay Smith, Ammanford
“I’m running for Tŷ Hafan because of the incredible support it gives to local families I know. I’ve seen the difference it makes, not just for the children, but for their parents, siblings, and loved ones during the hardest times of their lives.
Tŷ Hafan provides more than just care it offers comfort, compassion, and a sense of peace when families need it most. Choosing to run for Tŷ Hafan is about giving something back and helping ensure that this vital support can continue for others in our community.
Learn more on Lindsay’s fundraising page.
Karl Johnson, Pontypridd
“So my little nephew Oscar Evans was in your care until he sadly passed away. My brother-in-law Andrew Evans has since been involved in many charity events and raised in excess of 20k for Tŷ Hafan. This year will mark 10 years since Oscar passed away. I would like to run in memory of him and in recognition of the amazing work and support Tŷ Hafan provides to families.
“I am the Event Director of the Pontypridd Parkrun. I have completed 40 plus half marathons and 8 marathons. But I have never completed London, so this would be a fitting tribute to Oscar and to achieve a life ambition of mine.
Learn more on Karl’s fundraising page.
Cathy Gould
“I work at HMP Cardiff and our chosen charity is Tŷ Hafan (mostly male officers do the 7 peak challenges) I got a ballot place in London Marathon it seemed only natural to help raise more money for Tŷ Hafan. After visiting Tŷ Hafan I was so moved with the care and compassion…also the facilities there I decided to complete 2 marathons in 2 weeks (Newport which I have already completed) and London on Sunday.
I’m so looking forward to seeing you guys on route cheering us on x x x”
Learn more on Cathy’s fundraising page.
Jayne Jones
“My name is Jayne Jones, and I’m a teacher—and also a very proud daughter. When my dad asked if I’d help fundraise for Tŷ Hafan, the chosen charity of Moose International this year, I didn’t hesitate. Tŷ Hafan is an incredible charity that offers comfort, care, and support to families across Wales during the hardest times of their lives.
Being able to run in their name is an absolute privilege. Wearing their t-shirt on the day will mean so much to me—it’s a small gesture, but one filled with love and purpose. I know I might not raise a huge amount, but I believe every single penny makes a difference. Every donation helps brighten the lives of children and families when they need it most, and I’m so grateful to play even a small part in that.”
Learn more on Jayne’s fundraising page.
Abbe Sykes, Llanelli
“My friend’s family lost their beautiful little girl Mia to cancer aged just 6 years old. So it’s a really, really big emotional challenge to go and do this in memory of Mia, a child of courage, who wanted to help other children with shorter lives.
Training is feeling really tough, pretty brutal, in fact! Right now I have an injury and may even have to walk it! I don’t care if I have to crawl! But it’s totally worth it if it helps children with life limiting conditions and their families!
I have been so very lucky to have so many lovely people support me, and donate to this amazing charity in memory of Mia, for both the firewalk and the trek up Yr Wyddfa/ Snowdon, and the Cardiff half marathon.”
Learn more on Abbe’s fundraising page.
Also running the London Marathon in support of Tŷ Hafan is Rebecca Smith, from Bristol.
Good luck to everyone running the London Marathon for Tŷ Hafan, helping to make sure that no family has to live their child’s short life alone.
Feeling inspired by these stories? Apply to run The London Marathon for Tŷ Hafan in 2026.