Shrewsbury mum to run London Marathon for Hope House

Claire McCarthy will be joining a team of 20 Hope House Children’s Hospices runners for the world-famous race which takes place on April 26th and wants to raise as much as possible for Hope House where her four-year-old son Theo receives care.  

Theo has several complicated medical needs due to his conditions, which include spina bifida and vocal cord palsy, which means he needs a tracheostomy to help him breathe. 

“Hope House have been invaluable to us,” said Claire. “We have enjoyed some amazing days out at the events they put on for families, and we are able to make day visits to the hospice too for care and support in a place which is made just for Theo meaning he can have lots of fun and play.” 

Cheering Claire on the day will be Theo, who will be with his dad Sean and sister Elsie, who will be stationing themselves at Tower Bridge to give her a much-needed lift. 

“I am looking forward to wearing Hope House colours and I know that seeing Theo, Sean and Elsie, hopefully twice at Tower Bridge will really spur me on mid-race when I need it.  

“Although I’ve already told them I can’t stop as I’ll never get going again,” she laughed.  

Claire is currently in the midst of her training and can be seen running the streets around Shrewsbury with her running group the Shufflers and with friends and family.  

“It’s a big commitment,” she said. “While I am a runner, I’m definitely not a marathon runner. I’ve done half marathons but never pushed myself this distance before. But I know when I cross the finish line at the Mall all the hard work will be worth it.” 

Claire will be joined by Hope House carer Ian Greaves who will be swapping his scrubs for trainers for the race. 

“I know how vital first-hand our care is for children and families, and I am honoured to be able to raise money to make sure we can keep delivering it,” said Ian.  

When children with a life-threatening condition visit Hope House for respite care, they are looked after and cared for one-on-one by a team of professional nurses and carers, like Ian. 

Ian, who lives in Ellesmere, has been training hard for the race and has managed to get up to 19 miles so far.  

“I’ll admit, I’m very nervous about getting there and waiting around for the start. But since I started running a little while back, I always had an ambition to run in the London Marathon. I honestly never thought I’d get the chance to or physically be able to - now I have both and I’m sure it’s going to be amazing,” he said. 

“I’m just so proud to be out there wearing Hope House colours and raising money.” 

Bekki Fardoe, from the charity’s fundraising team, said: “We’ll all be cheering on our team of amazing runners on from Tower Bridge. 

“Everyone who is running the London Marathon has put so much effort, not only into training, but also into raising as much money as possible to, and we are so grateful to everyone. 

“Without this fundraising we could not be here for local children with life-threatening conditions that need us.  

“I’d like to wish all our runners a huge, good luck. You can do it!” 

If you would like to sponsor Claire, Ian or learn more about our other runners taking on the London Marathon for Hope House Children’s Hospices then please visit hopehouse.org.uk/London-marathon-team