Paul ran the London Marathon twice in 2000 and 2001, and exactly 25 years later, Steffi is running in memory of her dad to raise vital funds for St Barnabas Hospice, where he spent his final days.
Steffi describes her dad as a kind man, who loved animals and photography, and was fun to be around: “I miss his sense of humour and outlook on life very much.”
“Dad was a lovely person. He worked hard and was really into his running. He was the one who encouraged me to try it when I was still at primary school. I would sometimes join him on his morning run before school, and then we’d have a slice of orange together while doing our stretches.”
In 2024, Paul first thought he didn’t seem quite himself while on a family holiday in Greece.
Steffi continues: “When he got back, he went to the doctors, and it was initially brushed off as something quite minor. We then got the more serious diagnosis, which just came completely out of the blue, which was terminal cancer.
“That was the first shock really, hearing the formal cancer diagnosis. It then became more of a nightmare that we couldn’t escape from because the cancer was so advanced that it couldn’t be treated.
“We lost him only 46 days after he was diagnosed. Everything happened incredibly fast.”
Paul spent his final days at the St Barnabas Inpatient Unit in Lincoln, where he was provided with the “best and most dignified” care.
Steffi adds: “The support we received from St Barnabas was outstanding. The team acted quickly and were there for us at the worst time of our lives.”
At the time, Steffi was nine months pregnant and living some distance away, which meant she had to plan her goodbye. The day Paul died was only 11 days after Steffi’s son was born.
“He held on to know about his second grandson – it’s just so sad that the two of them never got to meet and I often wonder what he would have noticed. Saying goodbye to dad and having to travel back home, knowing that he was unlikely to live much longer, was the hardest day of my life.
“St Barnabas gave our family incredible support when we needed it most. I’m raising funds for St Barnabas by taking on my biggest challenge yet – running the 2026 London Marathon! The funds I raise as part of this will help St Barnabas to continue providing outstanding palliative care for other families facing the unimaginable.”
With just one month until the London Marathon, Steffi is feeling excited as she prepares to follow in her dad’s footsteps.
Steffi says: “When I run it this year, it’ll be 25 years since dad ran it and I’m going to take his medal from 2001 round with me in my pocket. I’ll be really proud to wear my St Barnabas vest too.
“I’ve never run the London Marathon, or any marathon actually – prior to this challenge a half marathon is my furthest distance. Dad ran London himself twice. It will be hard, but if I can finish anywhere close to his amazing times, I know he’ll be cheering with pride from above!”
“I’ve found some great new running routes through my training and have joined a local running club which has helped me stay motivated and on track with my training during the winter months. It’s been difficult at times to find the headspace to grieve and process the loss, but I find that running is great therapy for me. You never regret a run!”
If you’d like to sponsor Steffi and support St Barnabas with a donation, your generosity will help the hospice continue to be there for families when they need it most: St Barnabas Hospice Trust (Lincolnshire): Steffi’s London Marathon 2026 page
Steffi shares: “I’ve had a lot of support so far – it feels really good to have the backing of my friends and family. And even from people that I’ve never met, that knew my dad. He had some great friends, particularly from the photographic society, his former workplace, who have kindly supported the cause. It reminds me that dad was a genuinely lovely person in all his interactions.”
Inspired to enter the London Marathon ballot or take on a challenge? Steffi says: “Absolutely go for it! Put yourself out of your comfort zone and surprise yourself with the results. I know I’ll feel such a sense of achievement and emotion when I cross the finish line. And do it for a cause that means something to you, it’s given me such purpose for my training runs.
“I saw a great quote at a recent half marathon race: “The body achieves what the mind believes” which completely resonates with me. You can do more than you think you can, when you really put your mind to something.”
To take part in an upcoming challenge, or choose your own for St Barnabas, visit the website and sign up today.