Richard House hospice volunteers stoke up on pasta for London Marathon

Marathon runners raising cash for east London’s children’s hospice were given a pasta supper to stoke up last minute energy before Sunday’s gruelling 26-mile challenge.

Richard House hospice garden volunteer Derek James, 69, running his fifth and final marathon - Credit: Richard House charity

Volunteers raising cash for Beckton’s Richard House hospice in the London Marathon tucked into a traditional hearty carb-loaded pasta meal—and a cheeky glass of wine.

The 28 runners are aiming to raise for £45,000 in sponsorships for the hospice, which provides care and services to children with life-threatening and complex health conditions and their families.

They have been busy handing out sponsorship forms to hit their individual fundraising targets of at least £1,800 each.

Oldest Richard House volunteer running the marathon is hospice garden lover Derek James, who at 69 is coming back for his fifth and final challenge. He gave up marathons three years ago—but decided on last dash for the charity to see if he can beat his own record of just under five hours.