Couple take on London Marathon for Hospices UK and Age UK

April 13, 2024 Kathy Bailes News 0

michnath — Michaella and Nathan will be running in the London Marathon for their chosen charities

A couple will be tackling the London Marathon next weekend to raise funds for two charities.

Michaella Robinson, from Margate, will be running the 26.2 mile route in aid of Hospices UK in thanks for the care her dad Doug, and the whole family, received at Margate’s hospice before he passed away in 2009.

Doug Robinson was just 57 when he died after battling with COPD. Michaella was a young carer for Doug who had been a stay at home dad while wife Mo worked as a nurse.

The dad-of-three’s health declined quickly after his COPD diagnosis and the Star Wars and Star Trek fan spent time at Margate’s Pilgrims Hospice.

Michaella, 29, said: “Hospice UK did an amazing job with taking care of him whilst he was in his last stages. They made him feel comfortable, also the staff were so friendly, myself and my family couldn’t have praised them anymore.

“As they looked after my dad with the upmost of care, I would like as many people as possible to help me raise money to help Hospice UK continue their fantastic work in order for them to give other people some comfort and support within their last days.”

Security worker Michaella has been preparing for the challenge by attending the gym two or three times a week plus taking long runs on her days off.

She previously ran the London Marathon in 2013, completing the route in around seven and a half hours. This year she is aiming for six hours or below.

She added: “Hospices UK support a lot of people going through hard times with parents or grandparents in their last days or months, There is support and counselling after (a loved one) passes away as well.”

Michaella’s sister Sash will be at the marathon to support her. Sash said: “She has really trained hard and I am so proud of her and know she will smash it! We are all behind her and I’ll be following her to support her at different points on the Marathon with friends.

“Our Mum will be at home watching her on the TV, as unfortunately her health is not so good.”

Running alongside Michaella will be her partner Nathan Guy who is raising funds for Age UK.

He said: “I used to take my grandma to Age UK in Herne Bay. I personally had some wonderful meals with my grandma there and she used to enjoy the company with people of her own age, having a good laugh and playing games as well as the exercises that the centre put on for the elderly people to keep them moving and motivated.

“ I believe the staff at Age UK in Herne Bay did, and most likely still do, an excellent service for the elderly people, all friendly and welcoming staff.

“My mother also worked within Age UK in Herne Bay for some time and that has given me the extra push from the experience she had, with so much backing from staff as well as management for the great work that was being dne.

“Our elderly people deserve to have something back for all the years they have put into our country and all their hard work.”