Our Marathon runners are taking on London and Brighton challenges
London Marathon — Sunday 26 April
We are delighted to have two participants in the London Marathon this year who are raising funds for our Memory Lane Dementia Garden Appeal. This appeal will enable the charity to create a calm, safe outdoor garden where patients with dementia can step away from the clinical environment, reconnect with nature, and feel a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Matthew Kershaw, Chief Executive of Croydon Health Services, is taking on the challenge once again to support the Trust. Matthew said: “I’m incredibly proud to be running the London Marathon again this year to support our Dementia Garden Appeal. The Garden will make a real and lasting difference for our patients with dementia and their families, and provide a place for families to sit together, talk, reminisce, or simply enjoy a moment of peace during what can be an incredibly difficult time.”
Razzak Mirjan is also running the Marathon for us this year. “I am excited to be running the London Marathon 2026 and fundraising for the new Memory Lane Dementia Garden at Croydon Hospital as it is a cause close to my heart after my grandmother recently passed away from dementia and my mother-in-law is also suffering from it too.
I am the founder of Beder, a mental health and suicide prevention charity, and Head of Legal at a music merchandising business whilst also being the father of two incredible little girls - Leya (5) and Seema (2) - who are very excited to see if I can beat Daddy Pig from Peppa Pig in the London Marathon.
This will be my seventh London Marathon and 13th overall but, after 4 years away from running marathons, I am incredibly grateful to have this opportunity and to take part in the greatest marathon in the world. I was beginning to feel my time running marathons was coming to an end due to life getting too busy but this opportunity has underlined to me the importance of making the most of every moment and making time o do what you enjoy!”
Huge thanks to Matthew and Razzak for taking on this challenge! If you would like to support their fundraising which will benefit the patients and staff at the Trust please visit their sponsorship pages:
We’re sorry that Victoria Slayford, Matron of Paediatric A&E at Croydon Hospital, has had to withdraw from the London Marathon due to injury. We wish her a speedy recover and hope that she may be able to participate next year.
Brighton Marathon – Sunday 26th April
James Cooper is taking on his first ever marathon to raise money for Croydon Health Charity and Croydon Mencap. James said: “Running and exercise gives me energy and keeps me fit in my demanding NHS role. Running and exercise is so good for my wellbeing and gives me the energy I need for my family and young children and keeps me fit in my demanding NHS role.”
Huge thanks to James for taking on this challenge! If you would like to support his fundraising which will benefit the patients and staff at the Trust please visit his sponsorship page: James William Kiamtia-Cooper is fundraising for Croydon Health Services Charitable Fund
Choose to donate to our general fund or a named service