2022 will be a challenging year for the Courtney brothers!

March 10, 2022

Three brothers are embarking on a year of challenges – culminating in the London Marathon – to raise funds for North London Hospice. 

Tom, Jack and Dan Courtney have got their work cut out in 2022 – taking part in marathons, half marathons and hikes plus organising charity golf days and football tournaments, all in a bid to raise as much money as they can for the hospice that cared for their grandmother, Mary, from Colindale, Barnet. 

The idea is the brainchild of Tom, 28, who was challenged to shave his head during a lockdown family quiz in 2020 and agreed, if he could do it for charity. “I chose to raise funds for North London Hospice and couldn’t believe my head shave raised £2,300.  Once I saw the money and support start to come in, I thought ‘if I can raise this much for cutting my hair, imagine what I could raise with some well-planned challenges!’ And that was when I started planning for 2022.” 

   

The brothers’ grandmother – affectionately known to them as Nanny Bubbles – was cared for on our Inpatient Unit 12 years ago, but the memories of the warm environment and caring staff have stayed with Tom for a decade. “I remember visiting the hospice to see Nanny Bubbles. I was a teenager and had no preconceptions of what a hospice was like. I found it a cosy, comfortable place. The atmosphere was relaxed, as opposed to the busy noisy environment of a hospital, which she had come from. I remember in her final days; the family played her favourite music and our local priest visited and we were all able to come and go without restrictions.” 

Tom is in training for his first challenge, the Hackney Half Marathon in May, and is already clocking up over 100 kilometres a month. He had already signed up for the London Marathon in October, when his brothers said they would like to run with him. All three will now don our green vests and run together in aid of the hospice. “I’m also planning to take on the 3 Peaks Challenge plus the golf and football tournaments. So, there’s lots to plan for!” 

“Our family will forever be thankful for the support that nan received. The journey won’t be easy but we’ll be raising money so the hospice can support other families in the same great way it did for ours.” 

To support Tom and help him achieve his target of £2,500, visit his fundraising page here:  

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tclondonmarathon22   

You can also follow his training journey via his dedicated Instagram account @tom_marathon_and_more