Friends and family join Shoreham teacher on his virtual London Marathon, in lieu of cheering crowds

Tim set off from his home in Shoreham on Sunday and ran the first mile with his wife, father-in-law and sister-in law.

Various friends met him along the way, each running or cycling 5k en route and through Shoreham to the finish, all in rain and gusts of 40mph winds.

Tim, a year group leader and PE teacher at Oakwood School in Surrey, dedicated his marathon to his mother-in-law Jackie and ran for St Peter & St James Hospice, which cared for her last year.

He said: “I had pledged to raise £3,000 sponsorship for the hospice but this became more of a challenge this year, due to the event itself changing due to Covid restrictions.

“Due to this change, I decided to invite friends and family to get involved by running and cycling alongside, or supporting along the route, as part of their sponsorship. So with minimal training, they too could say they’d taken part in the London Marathon.

“I was rarely without support from family and friends, which made a huge difference when running the London Marathon without the usual crowds of cheering supporters.

“I have deferred my official London place to April 2022, when hopefully I can complete the full route in the capital for the charity.”

Jackie spent two special weeks at the hospice in North Chailey and Tim chose to support it as it is an important charity to his family.

He explained: “The nurses and staff at St Peter & St James always treated Jackie with such care, compassion, kindness and respect and were fundamental in preparing us as a family and Jackie for her journey home.

“Coming home was so important to her, and was where she was able to enjoy such happy times in the weeks that followed with friends and family, including her birthday and wedding anniversary.

“After Jackie’s return home, St Peter & St James continued to provide invaluable support to our family, being available on the end of the phone day and night, and with visits from their Macmillan nurse. We are so grateful for all they did for us.”

Tim ran down Old Shoreham Road towards the River Adur, then up towards Steyning along the Downs Link, back to Shoreham, along the seafront to Worthing and back, via the Adur Ferry Bridge, to finish at Hove Lagoon.

He has raised around £2,400 so far. Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TimRose1 to make a donation.

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