Joel Shetliffe

🏃JOEL is running the 2027 TCS London Marathon, 24/04/27, for The Myton Hospices in memory of Barbara🏃

How did we end up here...?

Back in January, I started Couch to 5K. What began as a way to loose some weight turned into a love for running and a 6 month+ journey of making it my entire personality. Those who know me well will either call it a quarter life crisis... or say it's something that has, and will, change my life for the better. I'm really hoping it's the latter!

I'm running these 26.2 miles in memory of my godfather's beautiful wife and Laura's mum, Barbara, who was cared for by Myton Hospice in Coventry in 2024.

I will always feel incredibly lucky to have known Barbara. Her gentle nature, endless kindness and genuine soul will stay with me today, tomorrow, on marathon day and for the rest of my life.

The few times I was able to visit Barbara at Myton Hospice completely changed my perspective. I realised that hospices aren't places to fear. They are places filled with compassion, dignity and extraordinary people who dedicate themselves to providing the very best care for every patient and every family who walks through their doors.

I've always wanted to give something back, but I never quite knew how. Finding a passion for running has given me that opportunity. Every training run, every early morning, every aching leg and every single one of these 26.2 miles is for something so much bigger than me.

I'm determined to SMASH this marathon and SMASH my fundraising target, because this is for you, Barbara ❤️

If you're able to donate, whether it's £1 or £100, it would genuinely mean the world to me. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help Myton Hospice continue providing the incredible care and support that means so much to so many families.

Thank you so much for your kindness, generosity and support in raising £2500. It truly means everything

See you at the finishing line!

I will also be completing 3 half Marathons between now and Marathon day - Rugby half, Warwick Half and Liverpool Half

26.2 miles. One unforgettable reason in memory of one unforgettable woman.

Let's do this.

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I’m taking on the London Marathon to help support The Myton Hospices in raising £150,000 amid a national hospice funding crisis. That could fund the running costs of the Warwick Inpatient Unit for a month. 

Running 26.2 miles through the streets of London will be one of the biggest challenges I have ever taken on. It will mean months of training, early mornings, long runs, tired legs and plenty of determination before I even reach the start line.

Every mile of that training will be worth it if it helps The Myton Hospices continue supporting people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

We know £150,000 is an ambitious target, but with your support, we are confident we can reach it.

The Myton Hospices provides compassionate care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families, both in its Inpatient Units and out in the community.

It costs over £15 million every year to provide its services free of charge to patients and their loved ones.

As a charity, with less than 20% of its funding coming from the NHS, Myton must raise more than £12 million this year.

More people than ever need a Hospice Bed and, tragically, too many people on the waiting list for a bed at Myton will die before they can access one.

As the only provider of Hospice Inpatient Beds in Coventry and Warwickshire, the demand is huge.

That is why I am taking on the London Marathon. I want to help raise the money Myton needs to be there for everyone who needs its care, now and in the future.

To reach this year’s £150,000 target, Myton relies entirely on sponsorship from people like you. Here is what your support could help fund:

• £94 could fund one adult counselling session
• £360 could fund Myton at Home for one patient for one day
• £450 could fund an Inpatient bed for one day
• £545 could fund the required drugs for one patient

Please donate today and help make every mile count for people who need The Myton Hospices most.