Millie Colletta

Millie is taking on the London Marathon as her biggest challenge yet, and says it is a real pleasure to be running in support of Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends. Born at Bedford Hospital and having lived in the area all her life, she knows how important the hospital is to the local community, not only for major life events but also for the everyday care so many people rely on. Although the marathon once felt far beyond reach, Millie has completed 20 weeks of training without missing a single session and is proud of everything she has put into preparing for the start line. She says the experience has already meant a great deal to her and is delighted to be able to support the charity’s work in the community.

You can support Millie here.

Sue Stone

Sue is taking on her fifth London Marathon and her ninth marathon overall, with this year marking the fourth time she has run in support of Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends. Her connection to the cause is deeply personal. After fracturing her hip 18 months ago, Sue received surgery and care at Bedford Hospital and saw first-hand the importance of the facilities and equipment available there, including items funded through charitable support in the past. She is proud to once again be raising money for a cause close to her heart and to help support the hospital for others who may need it in the future.

You can support Sue here.

Kate Pedley

Kate is running her first marathon in support of her mum, who received incredible care through cancer services. Seeing the difference that support made to her mum and the wider family has been a major motivation, and she wanted to take on the London Marathon for Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends as a meaningful way to give something back. Although training for her first marathon has pushed her well outside her comfort zone, she says the journey has been both challenging and rewarding. For Kate, this is not only a personal milestone but also an opportunity to raise awareness and support others going through similar experiences.

You can support Kate here.

Martin Hosegood

Martin, who is also known to some as Obed, is taking on his eighth marathon and his fourth London Marathon this year. Three years ago, he also ran in support of Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends and is delighted to have the chance to do so again. For more than 30 years, Martin and his family have been regular and grateful beneficiaries of the services provided by Bedford Hospital. Running for the charity is his way of giving something back to a hospital that has supported his family over many years and of helping make a difference for the wider local community.

You can support Martin here.

Richard and Helen Evans

Richard and Helen Evans are both lifelong Bedfordshire residents and say running has long been central to their lives. The couple met through parkrun and Bedford Harriers AC, and after recently getting married, they chose to ask for charity donations instead of wedding presents so they could run the London Marathon in support of Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends. Both have completed marathons before, but this will be their first London Marathon, something they had hoped to do for years after many unsuccessful ballot attempts. They are proud to combine their love of running with support for a local cause that provides valuable support to the community. For Richard, the event will also mark the final stage in the London Classics series.

You can support Team Evans here.

James Stonebridge

James says it is a huge privilege to be running the London Marathon on behalf of Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends. Bedford Hospital has provided fantastic care to him and his family whenever needed, and he wanted to take the opportunity to give something back to the hospital and its staff for all they do. James has completed a number of half marathons, but this will be his first full marathon and a challenge he has wanted to take on for a long time. He is looking forward to the day and is proud to be raising money for such an important local cause.

You can support James here.

Mike Watkinson

Mike is running the London Marathon in support of Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends after the hospital provided vital support to him and his family at some crucial moments in their lives. He is also using the challenge to raise awareness of osteoporosis in men, something that affected him after completing his first three marathons, all in London, in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Bedford Hospital has played an invaluable role in his recovery, and this year’s marathon will be his first since then. Mike says it has been quite a journey to get back to the start line and he is honoured to be raising money for the charity along the way.

You can support Mike here.

Sophie Downes

I live in Wixams with my husband and work as a food expert at Unilever. After completing my first marathon in Brighton back in 2018, I’m now preparing to run my second – the London Marathon. It’s always been a dream of mine to take part in this iconic race, and I’m proud to be doing it in support of Bedford Hospital Charity and Friends. Combining my love of running with raising funds for such a brilliant cause means the world to me.

Nick Howarth

Based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, I ran my first marathon last year and absolutely loved the challenge. The atmosphere on race day, the sense of achievement, and pushing yourself to the limit is something I’ll never forget. This time, I’m running to support Bedford Hospital Charity and Friends – a cause close to my family – and it makes the experience even more meaningful. When I’m not running, I enjoy hiking, racing cars, and skiing.

Jason Jordan

When I was offered a London Marathon place with Bedford Hospital Charity and Friends, I jumped at the chance. I’d enquired last year but missed the opportunity, so I’m thrilled to be involved this time. I already had a place in the Brighton Marathon, so I’ve decided to take on a double marathon challenge! I was particularly moved by the charity’s Children’s Cancer project and feel proud to be fundraising for such an important cause.