Louise Ellis, a teaching assistant from Rotherfield near Tunbridge Wells, has completed the London Marathon twice, first in 2011 and again in 2025, both times for Pilgrims Hospices; alongside other fundraising, since 2008, Louise has raised £5,108.85 in total for hospice care in east Kent.

Louise ran in memory of her parents, Pat and Christopher Rundle, who both received Pilgrims’ care at the Ashford hospice, to give back and help ensure that other families can benefit from vital hospice services.

Pat had pancreatic cancer and was cared for by Pilgrims in 2008.

Sadly, 10 years later in 2018, Christopher was diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer; Pilgrims supported him to remain at home for as long as possible during his illness, and he died at the Ashford hospice in 2020.

Louise said: “When Mum was diagnosed, a devastating time was made a little easier knowing she would receive Pilgrims’ care. I imagined the hospice to be a dull, bleak and sad environment, but this was far from what we experienced.

“It was warm, inviting, supportive and caring; every staff member communicated with us clearly about Mum’s care.

“Difficult conversations were had, but they were delivered with compassion and sincerity, and gave Mum and us clarity in the inevitable, sad prognosis.

“After Mum passed away in April 2008, the care our family received meant the world. Mum’s four grandchildren, who were exceptionally close to her, were invited to a family day, where they each made memory boxes and jars. My son, Robbie, still has his jar, and every different coloured layer represents a special memory of Mum; her love for the garden, being outside in the sunshine, and our family.

“My dad also attended several Pilgrims support groups, which aided the painful loss of his wife of 38 years.”

When Christopher received his cancer diagnosis in 2018, and after undergoing major surgery, Pilgrims helped him get well enough to care for himself at home. He attended the hospice whenever he needed extra care or medical intervention, and died there peacefully in April 2020, just as the UK went into lockdown.

Louise continued:

“Again, our family were kept fully informed. My twin sister, Cate, was encouraged and allowed to stay with Dad until the end. Pilgrims were always available on the phone to update us on his condition, which is something we’ll be forever grateful for.

“Dad was a staunch advocate of Pilgrims; he knew personally how invaluable their care is – to not just patients, but to families as well. Pilgrims has also helped bring our family together with the annual Sunflower Memories and Trees of Love remembrance events. We have a lovely photo of us with Dad, sitting amongst the sunflowers, which brings back memories of a wonderful place.

“The care given by Pilgrims to Mum and Dad truly made a real difference to me, so I knew I wanted to give back at some point. I was lucky enough to get a ballot place for the London Marathon in 2011; at the time, my first thought was to raise funds for Pilgrims, to thank them for all they did for Mum.

“Between 2008 when I started fundraising for Pilgrims, and 2011 when I completed my first London Marathon, I raised £2,815.50!

“In 2024, I got my running club’s place for the London Marathon, and again decided to raise money for Pilgrims – especially as my sister, Cate, now works as a Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner for this amazing charity. She is so passionate about making a difference to people affected by life-limiting illnesses. She is dedicated, compassionate and extremely knowledgeable, and I can only begin to imagine the incredible difference she herself is now making to families like ours. I’m unbelievably proud of her, and sing her praises from the rooftops at every opportunity!”

Louise raised a further £2,208.60 by running London Marathon 2025. She fundraised mainly via social media, supported by family, friends, colleagues, her running club, and parents at the school where she works.

She added:

“I hope the money raised will make a small difference to people and families who need Pilgrims’ care – whether that’s enabling children to attend a family day, or providing essential nursing care to patients. Our family will be forever grateful for the care and support we’ve received from Pilgrims over the years, so it feels fitting to repay them by giving back in this way – especially as Cate is now a significant and much-valued member of the Pilgrims care team.”

And what advice would Louise give to others wanting to fundraise for Pilgrims?

“Be unashamedly passionate and relentless on social media! Start posting months ahead of the race; each post usually results in several donations. Share significant mileage, races, running in awful weather conditions etc. and how raising money for such an important charity spurs you on to keep going, especially if you’re doing it in a loved one’s memory.”

Louise’s top London Marathon tips

Preparation

• Join a running club if you have one near you; the camaraderie, support and encouragement can be invaluable.
• Take advice about nutrition, gels, electrolytes etc. as they can make a real difference to your training and race experience.
• Sign up for a few half marathons, which will help you gauge your pace and give you a feel for racing.

On the day

• Above anything, enjoy the experience and the day.
• Make sure you have family members and friends dotted along the course, especially for the last 5-6 miles; the thought of seeing them will literally keep your legs going!
• Take full advantage of the enthusiasm and encouragement from the crowd.
• Believe and have faith in your training, and all the miles you have put in ahead of the big day.
• Do not change anything on race day; stick to everything you have done on your long runs, including nutrition/fuelling, clothing etc.
• STAY HYDRATED!
• Have your name printed/written clearly on the front of your running vest so people can shout it out; it will feel like all your best friends are cheering you on every step of the way.
• Stick to your planned pace in order to save some energy for the last few miles. It’s easy to get scooped up with the crowds, especially as it is a flat race, so keep checking your watch and your pace.
• Once you’ve finished, make sure you celebrate this incredible achievement with family and friends and raise a glass to loved ones and the hospice; savour the glory of running 26.2 miles/42.165km for such an amazing cause.

Pilgrims Hospices charity places for London Marathon 2026 are full, but if you have a ballot place, we’d love you to join Team Pilgrims and fundraise for us.

Please contact our Fundraising team to find out more:

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 01227 812 609

If you’re inspired by Louise’s fundraising journey, visit pilgrimshospices.org/events to find out how you can support Pilgrims Hospices by taking on an event or challenge for local hospice care.

Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.