February 02, 2026 - 201 views
Valued hospice supporter Helen Ilett is proving that determination can shine through even the toughest of circumstances as she takes on the Virtual London Marathon to support Hope House Children’s Hospices.
Living with Fibromyalgia and ME, Helen admits there was a time not so long ago when the idea of running any distance felt completely out of reach. Chronic illness left her inactive and struggling, but over the past two years she has gradually rebuilt her strength step by step.
“I couldn’t do anything really a couple of years ago,” she said. “But then I just got out walking. At first it was a mile at a time, then two miles, and it grew and grew.”
Her progress has been remarkable. Last year, Helen completed several 10K events and even managed to walk and run the Oswald’s Trail Half Marathon — something she once believed would never be possible.
Now, as she approaches her 50th birthday, Helen wanted to mark the milestone with a challenge that truly meant something. While travelling to London for the marathon itself felt unrealistic, a friend suggested an alternative — the London Marathon My Way, allowing participants to complete the 26.2 miles wherever they choose.
“It’s perfect,” Helen explained. “It’ll be a big challenge, and on April 26th I’m aiming to complete it in nine hours — and my friend Kelly will be with me every step of the way.”
Helen hopes her story will inspire others who may feel limited by illness or circumstance.
“It just shows that actually for those that might not be able to do the race itself, there is a way to take on this massive challenge and raise money for an amazing charity too.”
Her motivation is deeply personal. Helen has long known about Hope House, with friends whose children have received care at the hospice. She also remembers how much comfort it brought her when her own daughter Chloe was born, and there was a chance her family might need the charity’s support.
“When Chloe was born there was a very real chance that we would have needed Hope House,” she said. “We didn’t in the end, but I can’t tell you how much it meant to know that should we have needed support, Hope House was here for us.”
Hope House fundraisers have praised Helen’s efforts and the impact supporters like her make possible.
“We can’t thank Helen enough for taking on the London Marathon My Way and helping to raise money so we can be here for local children with life-threatening conditions,” said Bekki Fardoe from the fundraising team.
“Without the money raised by wonderful supporters like Helen, we could not be here for local families, and for that we are so grateful.”
The charity is also encouraging others to join in virtually on marathon day, completing the distance in their own way. Participants have 24 hours to finish, can break it into smaller sections, and choose any route or location.
For Helen, the challenge is about more than miles — it’s about hope, resilience, and showing that even when life feels limiting, extraordinary things are still possible.
If you would like to sponsor Helen then you can do that by clicking here.
