Heart-tugging reason why Hadleigh marathon man is running for Sienna

By Derek Davis

29th Sep 2020 | Local News

Instead of passing over the iconic Tower Bridge, or going past the historic Cutty Sark and up the Mall for the finish in the London marathon this Sunday, one runner will be pounding the streets of Hadleigh aiming to raise money for two very special causes, in his own very unique way.

Bed and breakfast owner Stuart Service is taking part in the Virtual London marathon this weekend, along with 45,000 other runners across 109 countries, using an app which will record their time and distance.

With the annual running event in the capital cancelled April due to coronavirus pandemic, organisers have asked athletes to join in and still raise millions for charities by running in their home areas, to mark what would have been its 40th year.

For Stuart, a special little girl called Sienna, has given him the inspiration to make part as he is aiming to raise funds for the Bumblebee Children's Charity and the Evelina London Children's Hospital.

Instead of going for one long lonely marathon distance run, Stuart will set off from Bridge Street, go to Toppesfield Bridge then back down the High street, and run that circuit 21 times, along with 26 of his friends and family aged between 11 and 70+, to complete the marathon distance of 26.2miles, and while Stuart will run the whole distance, his friends will do a mile each.

"If we complete the marathon on the Sunday we get our media and certificate, which is really fantastic.

"It is a unique year as the London Marathon will not be run in its usual way, but it will be run and raise millions of pounds. for lots of charities, which at this moment of time desperately need the money.

Usually I might run out towards Kersey, then go to Boxford, come round by Stoke by Nayland then home, one big loop, but that would be really boring.

"So instead, I'm running a loop around Hadleigh which is a mile and quarter and I also have 26 friends who are each going to run one lap each with me.

"I have my Godchildren, nephews my sister and friends running, it is real mix of ages and abilities, some keen, some have not run before. They have been so generous and for some that will be quite challenge."

This will be Stuart's fourth marathon, having done a personal best time of 3h 58m but accepts this is going to be

In the past the 53-year-old has run to raised £20,000 for the Stroke Association, National Deaf Children's Society, Dementia UK and Hadleigh Dementia Action Alliance.

This year's two charities were chosen for the love and care that have given Sienna, his nephew Jack's three-year-old daughter who was born with a care heart condition.

"Evelina Hospital saved her life, and now she goes to Bumblebees who help with her development," said Stuart.

"The work they do is amazing, They are completely a self-funding charity and when I'm running, it is with a passion, because when it is hurting you have that goal to keep you going and can hopefully raise a chunk of money for two very deserving charities."

Stuart, who owns The Gables Bed & Breakfast in Hadleigh High Street, is looking to split the money evenly between the two charities, with a Just Given page set up for the hospital and all other donations now and on the day, with go to Bumblebees.

Supporters along the route are welcome to cheer on the runners but as asked to respect social distancing.

Donate to Stuart's Just Giving page here... You can find Bumblebees here...