For Mitch, running the London Marathon has been a long-held ambition. After years of unsuccessful ballot applications, he’s finally secured his place on the starting line, and he’ll be raising money for Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity along the way.
An electrical engineer currently working on the refurbishment of the Critical Care Unit at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Mitch has strong connections to the hospitals, both professionally and personally.
His two young daughters, aged one and three, were born at Bassetlaw Hospital and Doncaster Royal Infirmary, while his grandparents have also received care at the hospitals.
“Myself and my partner have always been so overwhelmed with how brilliant people have been when we’ve come in here, through difficult times and happy periods,” Mitch explained. “It’s consistent that the nurses are always brilliant. It’s nice to be able to give back.”
Mitch has already supported the hospitals through fundraising activities with his employer, including delivering Easter eggs and Christmas presents. Now, he’s preparing to take on his biggest fundraising challenge yet.
A family ambition
Although Mitch has completed half marathons, covered distances of up to 30 kilometres and tackled the challenging terrain of Hadrian’s Wall, this will be his first full marathon.
And there’s a little family competition providing some extra motivation!
“My dad’s done it three times, so it’s a personal goal to do it,” Mitch said. “I thought it would be nice for my dad to watch me run it. I’ve also got a goal to beat his time as well!”
Having watched the London Marathon on television every year, Mitch is particularly looking forward to experiencing the famous atmosphere for himself.
“I wasn’t nervous until I got my place accepted!” he laughed. “I watch it on TV every year and the atmosphere always looks incredible.”
While he originally had a finishing time in mind, Mitch admits his priorities have changed as the reality of the challenge has begun to sink in.
“My goals shifted as time went on. I had ideas of times I’d be able to do it in, which got longer and longer, until it became ‘as long as I can complete it, it’ll be fine!'”
Every donation makes a difference
Mitch is aiming to raise £2,500 for DBTH Charity and has already been exploring creative ways to get his colleagues involved.
Working on a busy construction site provides plenty of opportunities for fundraising activities, with football cards and small competitions proving particularly popular.
He’s also been inspired by his friend, Nicole, who ran the London Marathon for DBTH Charity last year and shared her positive experience with him.
For Mitch, however, the most important part of fundraising is knowing that every contribution, regardless of its size, will help support the hospitals that mean so much to his family.
“Any donation is brilliant, small or big. We’ve had some really generous donations, which is amazing, but every single donation counts.”
As for what will be going through his mind when he finally reaches the starting line?
“I’ll be nervous, but I hope I’ll be overwhelmed by the atmosphere. I want to focus on enjoying it and taking all the pressures out. Hopefully the atmosphere will carry me through the 26 miles!”
Support Mitch’s marathon challenge
Mitch will be raising money to help DBTH Charity continue supporting patients, families and staff across Doncaster and Bassetlaw.
To support his fundraising efforts, visit his fundraising page by clicking the button below.