Teacher’s amazing Marathon run in memory of his dad

A huge congratulations to New City College teacher Stuart Phillips who completed the 2023 London Marathon – and raised almost £5,000 for the Saint Francis Hospice charity.

Stuart, who is the Senior Curriculum Manager for Creative Industries and IT at Havering Sixth Form, said the iconic 26.2 mile event through the capital was very tough, but the cheering crowds got him through to the finish line.

And although tired, with his body aching from head to foot, Stuart was back teaching in class as usual on Monday morning!

He decided to run the marathon and raise money for Saint Francis Hospice, in Romford, in memory of his dad, Ian, who died from a brain tumour last year. The hospice provided support in the last few weeks of his life which the family found invaluable.

Stuart said: “The hospice was wonderful at a time when we really needed help. It’s something I will remember for the rest of my life. I am forever grateful and I wanted to help the hospice in this way as a small thank you for the help they gave me and my whole family.”

On Marathon Day Stuart, along with the other 31 runners making up the hospice team, stood out in their orange vests and together raised a mammoth £100,000 between them, which will all go towards helping people who are seriously unwell.

One of his fellow team members said: “We turned London orange! There were hugs and high fives, friendship and camaraderie, shared goals and belief along with pain and joy!”

Stuart added: “It was an incredible experience and the atmosphere was amazing. The crowds along the route really played a big part in keeping you going – that as well as the ever-present thought of why I was running it.”

He has been overwhelmed by the generosity of people and was thrilled to have raised more than double his target.

His fundraising page is still open and you can read more about his journey from training to the big day on page 24 of the Romford Recorder.

You may also have caught Stuart talking on Time FM in their news bulletins last week!

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