Leeds man tackles his first ever TCS London Marathon in memory of mum and dad

Joel will be taking on the race in memory of both of his parents. His mum, Denise, was cared for by Sue Ryder at the end of her life and Joel’s dad, John, passed away just one week after his mum’s funeral.

Incredibly the 26.2-mile challenge through the streets of London will be Joel’s first ever running race. Joel explained what motivated him to get started on his epic running adventure: “My Mum received such good care at the end of her life at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice. It was a tough time because my Dad was also unwell and not able to look after her, so for my Mum to be able to go into the hospice was a massive relief for us all.”

Joel continued: “By raising money for Sue Ryder my aim is to give back to the place that cared so well for my Mum. It feels like something positive that has come from a difficult time.”

Reflecting on what his parents would make of his fundraising efforts Joel shared: “They would be proud of me taking on the challenge, but they might also wonder what I was letting myself in for!”

Gearing up to take on the TCS London Marathon is no mean feat, and despite being a relative newbie to the running scene Joel has made amazing progress, as he described: “It has done me the world of good and I feel a lot fitter. Everyone says do the hard work in the training then when it comes to the day – enjoy it.”

Looking ahead to the race day Joel shared: “My family are all coming down to support me, so there will be people there cheering me on. I won’t achieve a fast time, but I am looking forward to it, although I might not have the same enthusiasm a few miles in.”

Joel concluded: “I am so grateful to all the people who have who has sponsored me so far, everyone who I have spoken to about Sue Ryder has been delighted to donate, knowing that the money will be going to such a great cause.

“I couldn’t have got this far without the help of my wife Helen, she has been such a great cheerleader, making sure I go out and train even when I haven’t felt like it!”

Clare Humphreys, Community Fundraising Manager for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, said: “We are so grateful that Joel has chosen to support Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice by running the TCS London Marathon this year. It is always an amazing day, watching runners from across the country put their best foot forward for Sue Ryder. It is thanks to our wonderful supporters like Joel that we can continue to provide care to people when they need it most.”

To support Joel visit: justgiving.com/page/joel-whitehead-1734035999269

Want to join Team Sue Ryder in the TCS London Marathon 2026? Register your interest today: sueryder.org/get-involved/fundraise-for-us/events/tcs-london-marathon/

About Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice

At Sue Ryder, we can’t make life’s most difficult moments easy, but we can carry some of the load. For more than 70 years we have been a source of strength and specialist support for anyone living with a life-limiting illness or grief.

From giving specialist care and support for someone at the end of their life to helping someone manage their grief, we know there is no one size fits all when it comes to how we cope and the help we need. We campaign for everyone who is approaching the end of their life or grieving to have access to the right support, at the right time and in a way that is right for them. We seek to break down the barriers to talking about dying and grief - so we can all be better prepared and better equipped to be there for each other.

We can make a positive difference during even the darkest of times. Whether in the last months, weeks or days of life, or living with grief, we help people live the best life they possibly can. We are there when it matters and work inclusively with our diverse community in and around Leeds.

We can make a positive difference during even the darkest of times. Whether in the last months, weeks or days of life, or living with grief, we help people live the best life they possibly can. We are there when it matters.