Woking Hospice

Polly's page

Polly Wesson

Polly Wesson

My Story

This is the year I turn 30, it’s a pivotal year and nearing a pivotal age. I’ve always wanted to run a marathon. My dad, Will, was an avid marathon runner. He ran the London Marathon in 2007 in 2 hours 59 mins, a spectacular speed which I am in awe of. He has inspired me to want to run an arguably very random distance and to do so in the city that I love so much. 

Less than a year after running a sub-3 hour marathon, my Dad died of thyroid cancer. He died in Woking Hospice and the care, love and support I felt after he had died was immense. To the selfless therapist who helped a grief stricken thirteen year old try to figure out what had gone on, you made a horrible time just a tiny bit more bearable and for that I will always be thankful. 

When it came to running a marathon, firstly it had to be London - where else?! And it had to be for Woking Hospice - a place that was so close to my heart at such a difficult time and a place that provides that support to so many other families like mine. 

My brother Felix is also running the London Marathon for Woking Hospice and it is such a  privilege and honour to do this race with him and for a cause that is so close to both of our hearts. He will be aiming for super speedy time but we plan to do some training runs together. This is Felix's second marathon and I am sure as race day approaches I will be relying on his mental strength and encouragement to cross that finish line.

So here goes… seventeen years after my Dad ran the same route at a ridiculous speed, I will endeavour to cross the finish line on Sunday 21st April … albeit slower but no less determined.

I don’t want a sob story for fundraising purposes, I want to run a marathon in memory of a fantastic man and in support of a fantastic cause so any penny or pound you can give towards a brilliant cause will be greatly appreciated.


The London Marathon has become an annual, inspiring and colourful fixture in the world’s sporting calendar since the inaugural race on 29 March 1981: a celebration of fun, fundraising and fancy dress.

Over the years more than a million people have completed the 26.2-mile course – which runs from Blackheath to The Mall, with a spectacular finish in front of Buckingham Palace, showcasing the very best that the capital city has to offer.

What’s more, these participants have raised over a billion pounds for charity and there have been countless amazing tales of human achievement throughout the event’s history – living up to its aim of helping participants ‘to have fun, and provide some happiness and sense of achievement in a troubled world’.

Woking Hospice

Raising for:

Woking Hospice
104%

Funded

  • Target
    £3,500
  • Raised so far
    £3,632
  • Number of donors
    80

My Story

This is the year I turn 30, it’s a pivotal year and nearing a pivotal age. I’ve always wanted to run a marathon. My dad, Will, was an avid marathon runner. He ran the London Marathon in 2007 in 2 hours 59 mins, a spectacular speed which I am in awe of. He has inspired me to want to run an arguably very random distance and to do so in the city that I love so much. 

Less than a year after running a sub-3 hour marathon, my Dad died of thyroid cancer. He died in Woking Hospice and the care, love and support I felt after he had died was immense. To the selfless therapist who helped a grief stricken thirteen year old try to figure out what had gone on, you made a horrible time just a tiny bit more bearable and for that I will always be thankful. 

When it came to running a marathon, firstly it had to be London - where else?! And it had to be for Woking Hospice - a place that was so close to my heart at such a difficult time and a place that provides that support to so many other families like mine. 

My brother Felix is also running the London Marathon for Woking Hospice and it is such a  privilege and honour to do this race with him and for a cause that is so close to both of our hearts. He will be aiming for super speedy time but we plan to do some training runs together. This is Felix's second marathon and I am sure as race day approaches I will be relying on his mental strength and encouragement to cross that finish line.

So here goes… seventeen years after my Dad ran the same route at a ridiculous speed, I will endeavour to cross the finish line on Sunday 21st April … albeit slower but no less determined.

I don’t want a sob story for fundraising purposes, I want to run a marathon in memory of a fantastic man and in support of a fantastic cause so any penny or pound you can give towards a brilliant cause will be greatly appreciated.


The London Marathon has become an annual, inspiring and colourful fixture in the world’s sporting calendar since the inaugural race on 29 March 1981: a celebration of fun, fundraising and fancy dress.

Over the years more than a million people have completed the 26.2-mile course – which runs from Blackheath to The Mall, with a spectacular finish in front of Buckingham Palace, showcasing the very best that the capital city has to offer.

What’s more, these participants have raised over a billion pounds for charity and there have been countless amazing tales of human achievement throughout the event’s history – living up to its aim of helping participants ‘to have fun, and provide some happiness and sense of achievement in a troubled world’.