City worker laces up trainers for London Marathon to raise money for sick children's charity

A city worker is preparing to run 26.2 miles in the world-famous Virgin Money London Marathon to raise £2,500 for a charity that supports the families of sick children.

31 year old Mrigank Chhibber from North London, who works in the City for Commerzbank, will be lacing up his trainers later this year as he races in the UK's biggest marathon to raise money for The Sick Children's Trust. The Sick Children's Trust runs ten 'Homes from Home' across the country that support the families of seriously ill children undergoing treatment at specialist children's hospitals.

Mrigank, who is a seasoned 10k and half marathon runner, says:

“I chose to support The Sick Children's Trust after hearing about the good work the charity does from a friend of mine. The charity provides support to families during difficult periods of time, as often children with serious and life-threatening illnesses need vital treatment at specialist hospitals far from home. This can throw family life into turmoil, so The Sick Children's Trust offers more than just accommodation; it also provides emotional and practical support – all with the aim of keeping families together to aid the recovery of a sick child.

“This will be my first marathon and I am determined to do my best - for myself and for the charity. I have a strict training schedule of four runs a week and a gym session, hopefully it will all pay off and I will raise my £2,500 target.

“The money raised will help families stay close to their sick child. The charity's 'Homes from Home' alleviate both a stressful situation and financial burden during a testing period; it is support like this from The Sick Children's Trust that highlights the good work that charities do.”

It costs The Sick Children's Trust £28 per night to support a family with a room in one of its ten 'Homes from Home'. Alongside a private bedroom, the 'Homes from Home' include access to communal living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, playrooms and laundry facilities. Community Fundraiser, Diane McPherson- Emery, says:

“We're delighted to welcome Mrigank to 'Team SCT' and would like to thank him so much for choosing to support us in such an iconic London race. We have three 'Homes from Home' in London which support families at both Great Ormond Street Hospital and The Royal London. Mrigank's effort means we can continue to support families with sick children in these hospitals. Good luck Mrigank, we look forward to cheering you on on the day!”

Mrigank is one of eight runners raising money for The Sick Children's Trust through the Virgin Money London Marathon, if you think you could support our runners by cheering them on, please contact Diane@sickchildrenstrust.org.

To read Mrigank full story and support his fundraising, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/migsy/