Siblings take to the streets of London
Brother and sister, Polly Wesson and Felix Reilly, are completely embracing the essence of the London Marathon as they run to celebrate the life of their dad, Will.
“It’s not just the running that’s important,” says Felix. “It’s the connection that it creates between people. Everyone coming together to support us has been amazing.”
The siblings will have an entourage of friends and family cheering them on as they take to the streets of London on Sunday. The electric energy of the crowds will be the power they need to complete the gruelling distance, inspired by their dad.
Will, dad to Polly and stepdad to Felix, was an avid runner completing no less than twelve marathons throughout his lifetime. Just a year before he died, he completed the London Marathon in under three hours, an incredible achievement. “In the months leading up to it, I had followed him determinedly on my bike as he barrelled round most of the tarmac in the South-East, so the event is tied to a lot of my last and fondest memories with him,” says Felix.
“Will had a runners handbook from 1999, that I’ve been using for tips,” says Felix. “I won’t quite be going to the lengths that he did though as he even shaved his head before the race to make himself more aerodynamic!” When the Hospice cared for Will at the end of his life, the whole family felt supported.
“When we decided to run the marathon, there really was no other charity we would have done it for,” says Polly. “Hospices really are such special places. You never think you’re going to need them but, if and when you do, it makes the most difficult of times so much better. The care, love and support I felt after dad had died was immense. To the selfless therapist who helped a grief stricken thirteen-year-old try to figure out what had gone on, they made a horrible time just a tiny bit more bearable and for that I will always be thankful.”
Polly and Felix have found fundraising easy as said the cause itself entices people to donate. They have smashed their original £2000 targets to raise a fantastic amount together.
If you would like to show your support, their fundraising pages are Felix Reilly is fundraising for Woking Hospice (justgiving.com) and Woking Hospice: Polly's page (enthuse.com).