Emilia inspired to run the London Marathon in memory of her 'Aunty' Gerry

A very occasional jogger, Emilia returned from three months travelling with her twin sister last year having completed her legal training, watched the London Marathon and made the big decision.

“I found it so inspiring and thought it would be incredible to take on another challenge having just qualified as a solicitor,” saod Emilia, who lives and works in Beckenham.

“Knowing I could give something back at the same time makes it all the better.”

Emilia’s inspiration for giving back, is the care and support, albeit brief, she and her family received when her ‘Aunty’ Gerry White was at St Christopher’s.

Gerry was her grandmother’s best friend and they lived together in Shirley for 50 years.

“Aunty Gerry and my Nana spoilt us so much and I remember as a child spending loads of time in their lovely garden. She treated us like we were the most important people in the world.”

After months of being in and out of hospital, Gerry was transferred to St Christopher’s in August 2023 for what turned out to be her final 24 hours.

“I remember arriving there from work on a Friday lunchtime feeling really nervous because I didn’t know what to expect as I’d never been to a hospice before.

“The nurses put such an emphasis on not only on looking after Aunty Gerry but also finding out what we needed.

“It just felt like such a special way to deal with a family.”

“They also gave us time to say goodbye to Aunty Gerry and the volunteers were also on hand to support us. It made us feel really well looked after, even if it was only for a day.”

Emilia says it’s this kind of positive experience of the hospice that many others have had too that has given her fundraising efforts a big helping hand.

“Honestly, back in January soon after I started, I really didn’t know how I was going to reach the £2,500 target. But St Christopher’s is a charity that’s so close to home for so many people in the area and people have been really generous.”

Planning, hard work and initiative are other essential ingredients that will see Emilia to that target.

“My tips would be – plan in advance and don’t panic, people will donate but sometimes nearer the time of the event. I have an Instagram page and post updates after every run which helps involve family and friends on the journey.”

Adding details of her JustGiving page to her work email signature has resulted in a number of donations from clients too. Two bake sales and a ‘paint and sip’ event have added further funds to the pot.

So, with the fundraising under control, how does Emilia, who’d never run further than 5km before, feel about the 26+ miles – with just three weeks to go?

“I think I am as ready as I’ll ever be. I know it’ll be tough, but I’ll be thinking about Aunty Gerry and I know how proud she would have been, as well as my godmother, Gill, who was also cared for by St Christopher’s.

I’ll also be thinking about everyone who’s supported me and keeping an eye out for all my friends, family and colleagues who’ll be there along the route.”

Support from the St Christopher’s fundraising team has been another key factor in Emilia’s enjoyment of the marathon experience.

”This has been such a big challenge for me. Lucy and the fundraising team have been so helpful – always available on WhatsApp. Having a group chat with all the other runners has been very supportive too because we’ve all been able to share our struggles and successes.”

Emilia says she’s certain she’ll continue running, she’s going to wait and see if this will be her one and only marathon.