I have run 3 marathons and my first was when I was 18. I had been thinking for some time about running another marathon and considering which charity to run for.
I got married last summer and just before our wedding, my wife Zoe’s grandfather Sam moved into Hammerson House. We were visiting him a lot around this time, and I thought what a great opportunity it would be to run a marathon for a charity that means a lot to both Zoe and me.
I absolutely love the London Marathon, I think it’s the best day ever, as mad as this sounds. It’s such an uplifting day, surrounded by strangers who push you on and will you to keep running. You feel part of something special. A connection, a togetherness. So, when I discovered I could run for Nightingale Hammerson and help the charity raise money, it felt the most natural thing to do. I get to see first-hand how incredible the care is here and how amazingly well Zoe’s grandparents were looked after. Everyone who works or volunteers at Hammerson House does so much to care for the Residents. There is an uplifting spirit about the home.
The day after our wedding Zoe came to visit her grandfather on Audrey Household in her wedding dress and she danced with him. He is 94 and has dementia. It was a very special moment that they shared together.
When I signed up to run for Nightingale Hammerson, Zoe’s grandmother, Miriam was living in Ronson but was very unwell. I wanted to run for both of her grandparents and raise money for the home at the same time. Now I am running in memory of Miriam and for Zoe’s grandfather Sam.
Thinking of them and the incredible Hammerson House will spur me on when I am pounding the streets of London on the 27th of April.
For more information and if you would like to run for Nightingale Hammerson in 2026 please contact Briony at bwilson@nightingalehammerson.org.
To donate to Sammy’s fundraising page click here.
