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Putting his best foot forward to boost charity coffers for a cause very close to his heart is advanced pharmacist James Honey. 

James will be taking part in the London Marathon in honour of his grandma ‘Mama’ Rose – raising money for Alzheimer's Society.

Having suffered from Alzheimer's for the last eight years of her life, Mama Rose passed away in 2014.

James said: “ It was heart breaking to see the decline in her over time, it took a huge toll on myself and my family. I wanted to do something to help and so started raising money for Alzheimer's Research UK and Alzheimer's Society by running the Cambridge half marathon and Richmond Marathon last year.”

A member of the Infection Management team working across Peterborough City Hospital and Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon, James (pictured) was gearing up to run the Manchester Marathon this spring after failing to secure a place at London.

He said: “I was surprised to then be offered a London place a few weeks ago, so am ramping up the fundraising and also planning a few activities at work to try and boost funds.”

James, from Peterborough, started running during Lockdown 2020. He said: “While I love sports, I had always hated running but with no gym to go to during lockdown, the only thing I could do was run and although I didn’t like it at first, I soon began to enjoy the lovely weather and being outdoors.”

Running several times a week with friends and taking part in the occasional Saturday morning Park Run are all helping to bolster James’ training. 

He is hoping to beat a current marathon personal best of three hours and 30 minutes on April 27.

 

“I just want to enjoy the experience,” said James – who will be cheered on during the 26-mile route by family and friends. “I usually run with headphones in, but I intend to be in the moment and soak up the atmosphere.”

If you would like to support James – please visit his fundraising page .