London Landmarks Half Marathon in their sights

Date of release: 5 March 2024

Five determined Wolverhampton NHS colleagues are taking on a half marathon to raise money to improve patients’ experience.

Brothers Deepak and Pardeep Chand, Suzanne Giles, Laura Payne and Michelle Wilding will be taking part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon on 7 April after securing places via The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity.

The event is the only half marathon to go through both Westminster and the City Centre.

The excited runners are looking for support to raise funds for their charity through sponsorship and their JustGiving page.

• Deepak Chand, Directorate Manager Cardiology – “I feel happy and excited and am really looking forward to the half marathon. I wanted to do this to improve my health and have a target to achieve as well as raise money for a good cause.”
• Pardeep Chand – “I’m really excited about the marathon, it has come at the right time as I need a new challenge with a few cobwebs to shake off! Raising money and doing a half marathon has been on my bucket list plus I get to test how far I can push myself.”
• Suzanne Giles, Staff Nurse (Adult) – “I am thrilled and excited to be running for a very worthwhile charity. Exercise has always been an important part of my life especially after COVID, my mental health took a bashing. This is my first half marathon and I am so looking forward to meeting fellow runners, experiencing the London Landmark vibe and do a bit of sightseeing on the way.”   
• Laura Payne, Senior Biomedical Scientist – “I feel excited to be taking part! I did my first half marathon in September 2023 to raise money for charity after the loss of my younger cousin. I signed up for this the day after I completed that run...I think I was still on a runner's high!”
• Michelle Wilding, Senior Sister – “I began running in January 2023 starting with a couch to 5K and over the course of the year I have found a passion for it, I have done several charity runs in 2023. I want to push myself even harder this year as the longest distance I have ran is a 10K. To do this half marathon in London this year would help me achieve my goals but also helps raise money for our charity which is very important to me as I know the good work they do for patients and the local community.”

Amie Rogers, Fundraising and Lead Digital Engagement Officer said: “We are so excited for our colleagues to experience this iconic marathon and are incredibly grateful that they are fundraising for our charity. We will be rooting for them all the way.

“The money raised will help raise money for things over and above what the NHS is able to provide and help provide the best experience possible for patients, service users and families.

If you would like to make a donation, please go to the JustGiving website