Meet our London Marathon runners
We’re thrilled that four PAT supporters will be running this year’s London Marathon on 26 April, raising money and awareness for Pets As Therapy, as well as another two charities.
Christina La Voir, a PAT Volunteer, has always wanted to take part in the London Marathon and will be taking on the challenge for the very first time.
“It’s an honour to be doing this for Pets As Therapy as I joined up to volunteer recently with my dog, Roxy. We’ve been loving our weekly visits to The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow. The happiness created by Roxy’s visits is just amazing to see, so that’s why I’ve decided to run for PAT. The charity has a special place in my heart.”
Peter Stephens is also running in London, raising money for both Pets As Therapy and Brain Tumour Research.
Peter is running in memory of his mum, Sheila Stephens, who died in 2019 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour six years earlier.
“Mum was very proud at the end that she had been classified a ‘long-term survivor’ and that a biopsy of her tumour could contribute to research in the hope that fewer people, and fewer families, have to meet this gruesome disease.”
Sheila was an Occupational Therapist who had a sidekick – a PAT Dog called Holly.
It was clear that Holly brought a great deal of joy to those who needed it.
The London Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the world, with a record-breaking 1,133,813 people applying for the 2026 ballot – but only around 55,000 runners get a space.
PAT Volunteer Nick Jarrod, who visits Exeter College with his dog Jet, isn’t participating in London this year, but he’s going to take part in London Marathon MyWay on the same day – along with his wife Teresa. The donations they receive will be shared between Pets As Therapy and Mind.
“We can run the full 42.1km on 26 April, but just not in London – we couldn’t get a space this year. We plan to get some local supporters to do couch-to-5k to help their overall mental health and wellbeing. We’ll take the dog with us too, just for the first 5k and the last bit.”
Already the four runners have collectively raised £1,015 for their charities – this is a great start. We wish them all the best for the London Marathon. Thank you for your support.
If you would like to take part in a marathon, half marathon or 10k run to raise money for Pets As Therapy, we have spaces available – or take on the ultimate challenge and do a sky dive or wingwalk for PAT!
