Sam runs London Marathon for Friends
3rd April, 2023
Ahead of the London Marathon on April 23, we caught up with Sam Hart, who’s running to raise funds to support the work we do.
Tell us a bit about your running journey
I started running at a local parkrun in Clapham back in 2019. Dame Kelly Holmes gave an opening speech ahead of the run which inspired me to keep going. During lockdown in 2020, running became a regular exercise for me. I love running in the morning when parks in London are quiet and peaceful.
Running the London Marathon is a personal challenge that I am excited to undertake, but I am equally thrilled to be doing it in support of Friends of Moorfields. It’s a real pleasure to run and fundraise for them in their 60th year. The fact that Friends have been around for 60 years is testament to the invaluable support and care they provide for patients and staff.
What inspired you to run the marathon for the Friends of Moorfields?
Friends of Moorfields provide a range of services that make a huge difference to patients, including managing a team of volunteers, providing patients with information and support, and even funding the flowerpots outside the City Road hospital. They also offer a range of patient-centred initiatives, such as the ‘handholding’ service, where volunteers can accompany patients into theatre, providing them with reassurance and holding their hand during an operation.
I’ll also be running in memory of my Grandad who was once a patient at Moorfields Community Eye Clinic at Purley Hospital. He would often talk about the quick, kind, and efficient care he received at this hub. I’m certain that he would have greatly benefitted from the care that Friends of Moorfields provides.
Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help Friends of Moorfields continue their vital work.
How are you feeling in the run-up to the marathon?
I’m taking part in weekly gym classes and mixing up my training. I’m really nervous about running the marathon. I can’t even think about finishing it yet! The longest distance I’ve run so far is 28km (a good 3-hour run).
I’ve also just passed the 50% fundraising mark!