Running for Dorothy House – Liz’s story

When Liz’s best friend, Lydia, was undergoing cancer treatment in 2023, she decided she wanted to find a way to support her through it. Feeling a challenge would spur them both on, she chose the London Landmarks Half Marathon. Sadly, Lydia passed away before the marathon took place.

This is Liz’s story about how she decided to support Dorothy House through a running challenge.

Running with Lydia

“I am not a natural or particularly good at running, so Lydia and I used to have a laugh when we were training. We cheered each other on! Unfortunately she passed away before we could run the half marathon together. I carried on, and the running for her kept me going in the early days of losing Lydia. I then wanted to do it last year to raise money for Dorothy House, where she spent her final days. I had done the Bath Half Marathon before, but I wanted a new challenge and route, and the London Landmarks Half Marathon was perfect.

I met Lydia in 1990 when we started secondary school together. Lydia was the best kind of friend who brought joy to everyone she met. She was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2023 and sadly passed away in the November of that year.

Dorothy House took care of Lydia during her last few days and as a way of saying thank you for all the kindness and support Dorothy House gave to her, her family and friends, I wanted to do my best to raise as much money as possible for the Hospice.

The training in the lead up to the 2023 half marathon went really well, apart from a broken toe! Training for 2025 was so much better, and I find having a goal really helps me to focus. As I was doing it alone, I was nervous, but I didn’t want to let Lydia down.”

The London Landmarks Half Marathon

“It’s an incredible experience, the streets are lined with support, and the other runners are amazing. It was so different to other events I had taken part in as it is a fundraising focused run rather than a half marathon for times or a personal best. Everyone you speak to has a story about why they are taking part, and everyone is so positive and friendly. It is a beautiful run. It just feels magical being in central London with no traffic amongst the iconic landmarks.

Crossing the finish line felt amazing, although super emotional. Now I have run it twice, I can say both times were just as epic! I am blown away by everyone’s generosity and cannot believe how many people supported me. I feel so proud and grateful.

My advice for first timers is to just enjoy it; it is so special and unique. The London Landmarks Half Marathon has grown so much and has become such a popular race, and for good reason!”

Running for Dorothy House

We’re very grateful to Liz for her fantastic running efforts in aid of the Hospice. If you’re up for a challenge and would like to run to raise vital funds for Dorothy House, check out our fundraising events page here.