Newtown dad to run in London Marathon in memory of son

A Newtown dad is set to run the London Marathon this spring to raise money for Hope House Children’s Hospices in memory of his young son.

Lewis Jones will take part in the London Marathon on April 26 as one of 20 runners representing the charity. He is fundraising in memory of his son Ronnie, who was born with complex needs and received care at Hope House before he died aged 15 months in November 2021.

Lewis and Ronnie’s mum, Alice, have already raised more than £30,000 for the hospice through festivals and community events over the past few years. Now Lewis is taking on the marathon to continue that support.

He said the challenge is both personal and purposeful.

“We’ve been raising money for Hope House in a few ways, from holding our yearly festivals and other events,” he said. “I’m glad I can do something that is a bit of a challenge to keep raising more money for a charity that has meant so much for us as a family. I know Ronnie will help me cross that line.”

He will be joined in the race by Hope House carer Ian Greaves, who will swap his scrubs for running gear on the day. Ian works directly with children and families supported by the hospice and said taking part feels especially important.

“I know first hand how vital 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,” he said.

Ian has built up his training to 19 miles so far and said getting a London Marathon place had once felt out of reach.

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

Hope House Children’s Hospices supports children with life threatening conditions and their families, offering respite care and specialist nursing. Children who visit the hospice are cared for one to one by trained nurses and carers.

Bekki Fardoe from the charity’s fundraising team said staff and supporters will be out on the course to cheer the runners on.

“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, and we are so grateful,” she said. “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.”

People who want to sponsor Lewis or Ian, or find out more about the Hope House marathon team, can visit the charity’s website.