Sisters Joanna and Ella Tilley have run the London Marathon in memory of their father, Clive, who died from pulmonary fibrosis a year ago and was Director of Old Deer Parkrun. The pair ran an extra mile at Old Deer Parkrun last weekend as part of their marathon training, raising funds for Crossroads Care, the charity that supported their family during their father’s final weeks
Sisters Joanna and Ella Tilley recently participated in Old Deer Parkrun as part of their preparations for the London Marathon, an event they are running in support of Crossroads Care and in memory of their father, Clive Tilley.
Clive, who passed away a year ago from pulmonary fibrosis, had been instrumental in shaping his daughters’ relationship with running. He served as Director of Old Deer Parkrun, was himself a dedicated runner, and competed in the London Marathon in 2008.
The Parkrun held particular significance for the sisters. Alongside several local runners, they marked the occasion by completing an additional mile at the end of the standard course in honour of their father. The decision to run together at the location so meaningful to their family represented an opportunity to connect with both their personal loss and their running community.
Crossroads Care had provided substantial support to Joanna and Ella’s family during Clive’s final weeks, making their decision to fundraise for the organisation a deeply personal one. The charity provides breaks and support for carers, enabling them to take time for themselves and offering respite during difficult periods.
Joanna reflected on the experience of running at Old Deer Parkrun: “Old Deer Parkrun is such a special parkrun to us and to Dad, and running an extra mile there really meant a lot – it was a lovely way to remember Dad.”
Fiona Mitchell, representing Crossroads Care, attended the event and praised the initiative. She said: “This was such a wonderful event and we were so lucky that the sun was shining. Thank you to Joanna and Ella and to the Old Deer Park Run organisers as well as to all the runners and those who have kindly donated to the girls’ marathon mission so far.”
The forthcoming London Marathon represents a significant milestone in the sisters’ fundraising efforts. By combining their personal connection to running with their desire to honour their father’s memory and support the charity that helped their family, they aim to raise awareness and funds for Crossroads Care’s work across the country.
The sisters’ marathon challenge reflects a broader trend of individuals using major sporting events to raise funds and awareness for causes close to their hearts. The London Marathon has established itself as one of the UK’s premier fundraising events, with participants raising substantial sums annually for registered charities.
For Joanna and Ella, the journey to marathon day will continue with regular training runs and preparations. Their participation in Old Deer Parkrun served as both a practical training opportunity and an emotional milestone, allowing them to connect with their local running community whilst honouring their father’s significant contribution to it.
