At the grand (young, ahem?) age of 75, I hope to run the London Marathon this April 27th for three exceptional charities close to my heart — namely, Homelink Day Care Centre, Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston and Integrated Neurological Services (INS) — and I would be so grateful if you supported me. 

I first ran the London Marathon aged 52, and again, some three years later the New York Marathon. In the years since, I have not done any serious running, but have been involved with other charitable fundraising and volunteering.

However, I now feel it’s time to ignore the aches and pains, get sufficiently in shape and give this marathon another go! It will be a considerable challenge, but my driving force is to raise funds and ‘give something back.’  Heck, it might be my swansong?!

I have selected three local charities that all support often vulnerable people and unpaid carers across Richmond. I have cause to be hugely grateful to them because I had the longest goodbye with my precious mum, Flora, whose light and life faded away, due to the ravages of Alzheimer’s. These organisations offered me and my dear sister, Vilma, huge support as we cared for our mother in her final years. 

At Homelink, magic is weaved daily by its amazing and highly professional staff and volunteers who know no bounds to the love, support and tenderness they give to both those who are cared for and the carers. 

Crossroads Care is consummate in its professionalism, compassion and caring in the support of unpaid carers who are often exhausted and desperate in their isolation. They are an extraordinarily committed team, inventive, dynamic and always loving.  

INS is renowned for its knowledge, expertise and experience in its field, offering invaluable support and understanding to individuals with neurological conditions and their family carers. Their professionalism and contribution is enormous. 

26.2 miles is quite far (??!!). It’s going to be gruelling, but I’m determined to do it. So please support me, donate and cheer me on — not only will you be helping these three amazing charities to continue their good work, but you will also be inspiring me to keep on running. I will need all the support I can get! 

Enormous thanks to you all, Remo x