James Derrig Raises Nearly £9,000 for Sue Ryder at London Marathon 2023

This year’s TCS London Marathon saw runners from all walks of life come together for an unforgettable experience, but one participant, James Derrig from Bradford, ran for a deeply personal reason. He completed the marathon in memory of his younger brother, John, who received end-of-life care at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice. James has shared his emotional journey, highlighting how running has helped him cope with his grief and raise funds for a cause close to his heart.

Race Day Excitement

On the Saturday before the marathon, James felt a mix of nerves and excitement as he travelled to London. The atmosphere at the Expo, where runners collect their race numbers, was electric. “Being surrounded by thousands of other people taking part was truly breath-taking,” he recalled. The buzz of adrenaline and anticipation was palpable, setting the stage for what was to come.

A Sea of Supporters

Race day arrived, and the streets of London were alive with energy. “Thousands of people, runners and supporters, were flooding the streets of London,” James described. On the train to the starting point in Greenwich, he felt comforted to see other nervous runners, all sharing in the same experience. However, emotions hit hard when he had to say goodbye to his wife, Steph, at the assembly point. “Steph was my rock up until that point,” he said, expressing how daunting it felt to head to the start line alone.

The Challenge Begins

As the race began, James aimed to pace himself carefully. The first few miles felt steady, but the warmth of the day started to take its toll. “I had to start slowing down, otherwise I knew I’d struggle later on,” he explained. The marathon route took him through iconic landmarks, and reaching Tower Bridge was a highlight. “The noise was deafening, the bridge was packed on both sides with screaming supporters,” he recalled, capturing the thrill of the moment.

Finding Strength in Difficult Times

As the race progressed, James faced some of the toughest miles. “People had told me that the hardest part would be around Canary Wharf because it gets congested and winds around a lot. They weren’t kidding,” he shared. To keep his spirits up, he wrote the names of his family on his arm, which motivated him through the challenging sections. At mile 17, he was overjoyed to spot Steph in the crowd, and he seized the moment for a hug and a quick stretch.

Running for a Purpose

The next six to seven miles tested James both physically and emotionally. “By this point, my target time was out of reach, but that didn’t matter,” he admitted. The true motivation behind his run was to raise funds for Sue Ryder, the charity that supported his brother during his final days. “Thinking about John and what he went through gave me the strength to keep going,” he said, highlighting the profound connection between his experience and his brother’s memory.

A Moment of Realisation

As James approached the final stretch, he faced a wave of emotions. “I cried and I recorded a short video telling my family that I loved them,” he revealed, showcasing the deep emotional impact of the marathon. Crossing the finish line was a moment of pure elation. “For a few moments, I forgot about the pain in my legs and feet; I was completely caught up in the joy of finishing,” he added, recalling the camaraderie shared with fellow runners who were also running for charity.

Making a Difference

James’s determination paid off as he raised almost £9,000 for Sue Ryder. He expressed immense gratitude for the support he received throughout his marathon journey. “They’ve been behind me every step of the way and have orchestrated once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for me to go on the radio and in the press to talk about my brother and the charity that means so much to me and my family,” he stated. This journey not only helped him cope with his loss but also allowed him to make a significant difference for others in need of care.

A Lasting Legacy

James Derrig’s experience at the TCS London Marathon is a powerful reminder of how running can serve as a means of healing and connection. Through his efforts, he has not only honoured the memory of his brother John but also brought attention to the vital work of Sue Ryder. The support from family, friends, and fellow runners has shown that even in the toughest of times, the spirit of togetherness can shine bright.