A dedicated care team member at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) has reflected with pride after raising vital funds by running the iconic London Landmarks Half Marathon.
Jan Stanbury-Jones is a Child and Family Practitioner at the charity’s base in Milton.
She joined four years ago and has so far raised £900 after taking part in Sunday’s event – running 13.1 miles past celebrated landmarks including Westminster, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, The Shard and the London Eye.
Jan completed the challenging route in two hours and 14 minutes and was part of a field of around 20,000 runners, cheered on by husband Phil and two long-time friends from her Sixth Form days.
“It was a great, incredible experience and something I’ll never forget,” said the 53-year-old.
“I kept forcing myself to look up and take in the views, which became more difficult as fatigue set in.
“I had to concentrate on my running but wanted to soak up the surroundings, especially when I was going past all the beautiful, historic and iconic buildings.
“It was such a special opportunity, and it was lovely and uplifting to see how much support everyone had. There was such a good atmosphere.
“The whole route was lined with people’s friends and family, and it made me think how special those people are.
“It was also great and touching to see all the different charities being represented on the runners’ vests and t-shirts – from big national ones to much smaller organisations.
“They all meant something special to those individuals, and it was incredibly motivational. Everyone was doing something personal and positive to support a cause close to their heart.”
Jan, part of the wellbeing team at Milton, ran last year’s Cambridge Half Marathon and said she was proud and motivated to fly the flag for EACH again, having previously raised funds after completing a skydive in 2023.
“I had so much support from my colleagues at Milton,” she said.
“The run generated lots of conversation, and I’m so grateful. It’s been incredible, and everyone has been very generous.
“I love my job and feel passionately about EACH.
“Everything we do is about helping families – some of whom may be going through the most horrendous time of their lives.
“As a team, everyone has their own skills and backgrounds, but we all come together to offer what we can.
“Everyone respects and values each other’s roles – and the children and families are always at the heart of everything we do.
“We get very little funding from the government and statutory sources, so it felt good to be doing something positive to help.”
To show your support and sponsor Jan, click here.
