After ten years of unsuccessful ballot applications, Doncaster runner Jack Waugh is finally preparing to take on the London Marathon, raising money for a hospital that has been part of his life since he was a baby.
Jack, a civil servant from Lakeside, has been receiving care at Doncaster Royal Infirmary for a medical condition since he was a baby. Over the years, he’s attended countless appointments and spent time on various wards across the hospital.
Now, he’s hoping to raise £2,500 for Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity as a way of giving something back.
“I’ve spent years and years in these corridors and in this hospital, on the wards, in different places,” Jack explained.
“I’ve spent 36 years here, so I really want to try and give something back.”
Ten years in the making
A keen runner, Jack has previously completed triathlons, marathon-distance events and even longer-distance challenges, but taking part in the London Marathon has remained a long-held ambition.
“This is my tenth year applying. I’ve failed every year in the ballot, so I’m so happy to run it this year,” he said.
And while finally securing a place was a moment of excitement, Jack admits the reality of the challenge quickly brought some nerves too!
“I was excited to do it, and then when I got my place I was immediately nervous. I’ve got to actually do it now!”
There’s also a little family rivalry adding to the excitement.
Jack’s brother will be taking on his own marathon for a charity the day before Jack, and he’s already enjoying having a head start.
“He’s already said that he’s beaten me by 24 hours!” Jack laughed.
Giving back after a lifetime of care
Having lived with a medical condition since childhood, Jack knows Doncaster Royal Infirmary incredibly well.
“I’ve had hundreds of admissions and have spent weeks and months at times all over the hospital,” he explained.
With his family also sharing close connections to Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Jack’s decision to fundraise for DBTH Charity is a particularly personal one.
After so many years of receiving care, he wants to do something to show his appreciation and help make a difference for other patients.
Fundraising plans and winter training
Jack has already started collecting donations through his online fundraising page and has plenty of ideas to help him reach his £2,500 target.
He’s organising a raffle featuring prizes donated by local businesses, including £600 worth of vouchers from Bawtry Paintball.
His sister-in-law is also arranging a special fundraising event in York for Jack and his brother, with proceeds being shared between their respective charities.
Jack is hoping to boost his total further through his employer’s match-funding scheme.
“Meeting the donation target is important. Anything anyone can give, it all builds up. I want to hit the £2,500 myself and hope they’ll bump it up for me!”
And while he’s excited about the London Marathon itself, there’s one part of the challenge he’s not quite so enthusiastic about: the winter training!
“I’m more nervous about the January miles and the February miles. I’m not looking forward to them, they’re never fun,” he admitted.
“But if you get them in the bank, then on the day, just enjoy it. It’s game day then, game face on and get it done.”
With ten years of determination behind him and a lifetime of gratitude motivating him, Jack is ready to take on his London Marathon challenge.
We’re incredibly grateful that he’s chosen to support DBTH Charity and can’t wait to cheer him on!
Support Jack’s London Marathon challenge
Jack is hoping to raise £2,500 to support patients, families and staff across Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals.