The training runs are now complete and it is nearly time for Neil Greig to join the other 38,000 runners taking to the streets of London this Sunday, 24th April, for the Virgin Money London Marathon. The Bees' Head of Medical will once again be tackling the world famous 26.2 mile course raising money for Havens Hospice. 12 months ago Neil raised nearly £6,000 for the respite care charity and he has set himself an even more ambitious target this year.
"Last year I raised just under £6,000 but I'm aiming for more this year," said Neil. "The players are sponsoring me and most of them said that they would double their sponsorship if I beat the time I set last year: 3 hours and 23 minutes. Running the London Marathon is my biggest personal sporting achievement and seeing my wife Kate and daughter Eve cheering me along brings a tear to the eye even now. It's going to be tough but it's an incredible day."
Havens Hospice is a charity that that provides respite and care for adults and children nearing the end of their lives. When a family has been told that there's no cure for their loved one's illness, Havens Hospices can help. The charity can make the journey as comfortable as possible, controlling pain and medication, offering respite and caring for adults and children at the end of their lives. They offer free specialist care - for as long as is needed - within the home and at two hospices. Haven Hospices is not part of the NHS and receives limited government funding. The hospices can only exist because of the support and generosity of the community.
"Havens and Little Havens in Essex offer end of life care to terminally ill children. I have been there a few times to see what they do and how they look after children and their families at a really difficult time. It is something that we [myself and Masseur Chris Domoney] both feel really strongly about and the more money we can raise the better."
To support Havens Hospice and Neil, you can donate to Neil's Just Giving page here