Volunteer running mentor urges own place runners to join Team Havens for the London Marathon

November 12, 2019 by Leigh-on-sea.com

An Essex wide hospice charity is looking for runners with their own London Marathon place to join their team.

In October, runners across the country found out whether they had won a place for the 40^th Virgin Money London Marathon in April 2020. Havens Hospices is encouraging anyone who was lucky enough to secure their own place for the iconic race to join Team Havens.

Members of Team Havens, which this year was 100-runners strong, not only help raise vital funds but also build friendships through the charity’s monthly training runs and benefit from the expertise of volunteer mentors, like Bobby Oliver. 

Bobby, member of Benfleet Running Club, has been a running coach since 2003 and took part in the London Marathon for Havens Hospices after winning a ballot place several years ago. The charity then asked her to talk to other runners on Team Havens about her own experiences and to help with their training - Bobby was more than happy to help 

“When I went along to hand over my donation, I was so surprised to find that the atmosphere and manner of the hospice was so different to what I had expected,” she says. “The caring attitude of everyone involved was very impressive.”

In 2016, Bobby won a “Services to Sport” award at the Rochford and Castle Point Sports Awards. Over the years, Bobby along with other running club coaches from across the county support the members of Team Havens who are running in the London Marathon at the monthly training sessions - providing tips and hints on training and motivational techniques including creating training plans and joining the runners at their runs. Havens Hospices also support their runners by partnering with industry experts who can advise on running kit, help with fitness and nutrition and sports therapy provided by local company BodyMatters.

“I get such a huge amount of satisfaction helping runners achieve their goals and raise money for such a worthwhile cause.”, she continues. “Many of the runners have a particular and personal reason to run for the hospice and want to do their best, and it is a privilege to help with that.”

Bobby enjoys the atmosphere on the day and the fact that everyone supports everyone on their marathon journey.

“Every year it is a pleasure to help people on their marathon adventure, and lots of lasting friendships are made within the team.  If you have a ballot place and are wondering if you would like to raise money for a local charity, why not give us a try and make your marathon experience a time to remember”

If you have your own place and would like to join Team Havens or more information please contact Judy by emailing her jgrocott@havenshospices.org.uk or call 01702 220324