Granddaughter runs TCS London Marathon to say thank you to the Hospice

Abbie Morton, aged 25, from Norfolk, has signed up to run the TCS London Marathon for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, on Sunday 26 April, in memory of her Grandad Terry. Abbie kindly shared her reasons why:

“My Grandad Terry was such an amazing man, he was so kind and genuine, always doing things for others and would never ask for much in return.

You could often find him in his garden, tending to his veg in his greenhouse. Or next door helping his elderly neighbour with her garden or by the river bank in Ely walking another neighbour’s dog. He never sat still, always on his feet doing something.

I could go on forever about him and how much he meant to my family and others, he was a very popular man. I couldn’t go into town with him without stopping a dozen times so he could chat to someone.

I spent countless summer holidays in Cromer with him and my Nan in the caravan listening to Phil Carracks ‘How Long’ on the radio, a song that will forever be special to me. His family were his life – he loved us all.

The Inpatient Unit

“In 2019 he was referred to the Inpatient Unit at Arthur Rank Hospice from hospital after a sepsis diagnosis. His time in hospital was very traumatic and emotional for him and my family.

I hadn’t heard of Arthur Rank Hospice before my Grandad was referred there and I wasn’t too sure what to expect. I had never been in that kind of environment before.

If you had asked me before I had visited the first time, I probably would’ve expected it to be similar to a hospital ward, just like where he had spent the previous three months. But in reality it was nothing like that. It felt homely, very peaceful and calm – the complete opposite of where he had been in the hospital.

Every interaction with a member of staff or volunteer at the Hospice was so genuine. They took the time to speak to you and to listen. I even remember a particular lady who served us food everyday when we were there, she definitely made the sad days a little happier.

Once we got to Arthur Rank Hospice there was an immediate sigh of relief, it was such a relaxed and calm environment, one that benefited both my Grandad and my family. After coming from a hospital environment to the Hospice it felt like we could enjoy our time as a family more. My grandad had his own room, with a lovely window that faced into the garden, it was private and spacious so anyone who wanted to visit could do so whenever they wanted to.

Nothing was ever too much trouble. The staff arranged a Christmas dinner, on a big decorated table, for our entire family to enjoy just outside of my Grandads room, so he didn’t have to travel far or get overwhelmed.

An extra bed was put in his room for my family members to stay with him. Anything my Grandad wanted, they made sure to get, even if it was a shandy at 10am in the morning!

I really do believe that the environment and the staff contributed to my Grandad being able to come back home where we had an extra fourteen months with him. It’s more than just hospice care, you meet people you’ll never forget. Faces you will always remember. People at the Hospice go through some of the best and worst times with you and your family, they are true hero’s.”

My first Marathon

“On Sunday 26 April I will take on my first Marathon. I ran the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon in March, that was very cool. I really enjoyed the experience and it has made me look forward to the Marathon even more. I will definitely sign up for TTP Cambridge Half Marathon again and encourage anyone who would like to do a half marathon to run it in Cambridge.

I have been wanting to run the London Marathon since I was old enough to apply. After my mum ran it twice and my cousin ran it for Arthur Rank Hospice a few years ago, I never stopped trying to get a place and I am so pleased to finally have the opportunity.

The application process for the marathon was very easy and straightforward, and so was the application and process afterwards for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. The communication between Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and myself during that process was amazing, I couldn’t fault it.

It hasn’t been as easy training for the Marathon! It definitely gets hard especially with those long runs. It is your life style for the majority of your training. Days are planned around your runs, but you never mind that because it’s got to be done for Grandad. I’ve said to myself throughout my training this is all for him, and I know with each step I take he is next to me, cheering me along, possibly even pushing me across the finish line.

The supporters will keep me going too. Having been a spectator myself I know the atmosphere is next to none for London. I am very excited to see what the experience is like from a runners point of view. I am very much looking forward to the day, it’s more about the experience for me than the time. Knowing that my family will be there with me along the way, seeing them will give me the boost I need to get across that finish line.”

Thank you

“This is to say thank you to everyone who works for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, who helped with the care for my Grandad and who supported my family when they needed it most. We still talk about you even six years later. You are all angels to us.”

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If you would like to support Abbie please visit her sponsorship page: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/abbie-morton

If you would like to know more about running the TCS London Marathon, for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, in 2027 please visit arhc.org.uk/londonmarathon