• Swindon & Wiltshire Community champions
• Monday November 4 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Filestream MD to run London Marathon for children’s hospice

The managing director of Berkshire-based document management specialist Filestream is training after securing a place in next year’s London Marathon.

Paul Day will be running in aid of children’s hospice and charity Helen & Douglas House.

This isn’t the first time Paul has taken on a marathon of a challenge. In 2023, he participated in the world’s first-ever Skyscraper Challenge in London, where he ran up over 1,000 stairs to the 42nd floor of The Cheesegrater, all for charity. He trained for months and lost six stones in weight to complete the challenge.

Now he’s preparing to tackle the 26.2 miles of the 2025 London Marathon, driven by his commitment to supporting a cause close to his heart – supporting children through his charitable work.

Helen & Douglas House, founded in 1982 as the world’s first children’s hospice, provides crucial support to families caring for terminally ill babies and children.

Located near Oxford, the hospice has inspired over 40 similar facilities worldwide. It serves children and young people across several regions, including Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and beyond, while also offering support to current and bereaved families.

The charity operates retail shops across the area to raise awareness and essential funds for its services.

The charity has received royal support since 2007, when Her Majesty The Queen, in her former role as The Duchess of Cornwall, became its Patron.

In 2024, following a review of royal patronages to mark the first anniversary of Their Majesties’ coronation, The Queen confirmed her continued patronage of Helen & Douglas House, underscoring its national significance and vital role in the community.

Julia Woodcock of Helen & Douglas House said: “I would like to thank Paul Day for taking on the 2025 TCS London Marathon and for all his fundraising efforts.

“Helen & Douglas House needs to raise over £6 million a year to provide services to local terminally ill children and their families, and the majority of that comes from public funding. We are so grateful to amazing people like Paul taking on challenges like this to raise money for the hospice.”

Paul said: “I am so proud to support a local charity that provides such critical care and support for children and their families during the hardest times of their lives.

“Helen & Douglas House is not just a medical facility. It’s a place that offers love, comfort, and dignity. As a parent, this charity’s work really resonates with me. They help create meaningful moments and offer much-needed relief to families going through unimaginable challenges.

“Participating in the London Marathon is a huge personal challenge for me, but I am deeply motivated by the incredible work that Helen & Douglas House does,” Paul added. “Every step I take is for the children and families who rely on this essential service.”

Paul is currently training five times a week and has already built up his fitness to run 10 miles in one training session. He hopes to raise at least £2,500 and has already raised more than £1,000 to date.

To support Paul, visit his fundraising page: https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/paul-day

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