On 9 October 2023, 30 Dear Toby runners crossed the finishing line of the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London. Together they raised a phenomenal £14,000 for the trust.
Dear Toby supporters lined the streets, cheering on every one of our runners as they passed.
Now in its 16th year, the Royal Parks is one of the most sought-after half marathons in the world. The route takes in almost all of the major sights of central London, from the Houses of Parliament to Trafalgar Square. 16,000 runners represented hundreds of different charities this year and the feeling of camaraderie and togetherness is really unique. Steel bands and choirs sang on the sidelines and the London parks shone with a gold glow in the Autumn sunlight.
This year, one of the Dear Toby Trust runners, 42-year-old Zoe Cowell-Jones came in as fourth female, with an astonishing time of 1 hour and 24 minutes. Zoe is one of the first big fundraisers for Dear Toby Trust.
She said: “I signed up for my first marathon, the Brighton marathon, when Toby first went into hospital seven years ago. I needed to do something to help. He died shortly before the marathon took place so it was a really emotional run but I did raise an incredible amount due the amazing support of everyone close to Toby’s cause.
That race sparked a love of running and I haven’t stopped. The Royal Parks is such a great event. By running for the Dear Toby Trust I know we’re helping seriously ill children but it’s also such a happy day. Great fun and so much love and joy has come out of great loss. What a legacy Toby has.”
If you would like to run in the next Royal Parks Half-Marathon in London on Sunday 13 October 2024 for the Dear Toby Trust please get in touch.