The team of four, the largest ever to represent DBTH Charity at the iconic event, included Kieran Benson, Nicole Tucker, Lyndsey Dunworth and Steve Forster, who each completed the 26.2 mile challenge for causes close to their hearts.
Together, their fundraising efforts will help DBTH Charity continue supporting patients, families and colleagues across the Trust by enhancing environments, purchasing specialist equipment, and supporting wellbeing initiatives and projects that go beyond usual NHS funding.
Kieran Benson, Systems Project Support Specialist at DBTH, raised more than £4,000 in memory of his grandparents, all of whom received care from the Trust.
He said: “The compassion and support they were shown has always stayed with me.
“Running the London Marathon felt like the perfect way to challenge myself while giving something back to a charity that has helped my family and friends so much.”
Kieran organised a series of fundraising events in the run-up to the marathon, including a charity football match at DBTH, a quiz night at BRIX Coffee Co and completing the Doncaster 10K. He also received support from local business Albemarle Homes.
On marathon day, Kieran crossed the finish line in an impressive 3:40:47.
Reflecting on the experience afterwards, he described it as “so hard, but what an experience!” thanking his support team and everyone who encouraged him throughout his journey.
Nicole Tucker, a Midwife at DBTH, said her marathon training felt similar to life on the wards.
She said: “As a Midwife, I’m already used to long shifts, running up and down corridors, and catching babies.
“Signing up for a run might just feel like another day at work, except with slightly less screaming.”
Nicole, who has seen first-hand the difference DBTH Charity makes to patients and colleagues, completed the marathon just under her target time while “soaking it all in” along the route.
Supporters also cheered her on as she proudly held a sign at the finish line reading: “Midwives run marathons.”
Lyndsey Dunworth chose to run in support of DBTH Charity during her milestone 50th birthday year.
She said: “I chose to fundraise for DBTH Charity because it supports a local hospital that all of my family have used at some point, and I wanted to support local fundraising where possible.
“This year is my 50th birthday, and running the London Marathon felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Lyndsey trained alongside her twin sister, who was fundraising for Rotherham Hospice, and praised the support she received from her running club (Team Manvers), coaches, friends, family and even her sports therapist.
After crossing the finish line, she said: “We did it! Absolutely awesome day, blown away by the crowds.”
Steve Forster, who raised more than £2,000, said he wanted to challenge himself while supporting a cause that impacts so many local people.
He said: “I chose to fundraise for the charity because I really admire the work you do and the impact it has.
“It felt meaningful to challenge myself while also raising awareness and support for such an important cause that will inevitably affect all of us.”
Steve completed a demanding 16-week training block in preparation for the event, including the Brass Monkey Half Marathon in York, supported by his local running club, Team Manvers.
Reflecting on the marathon, he said: “Thank you to Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals’ Charity for allowing me to represent them at this incredible event.
“Getting into the London Marathon is no easy task, as it’s the one bucket list race that everyone wants to have a go at – the biggest marathon in the world.”
Adrian Petts, Head of Charity at DBTH Charity, said: “I am incredibly proud of Kieran, Nicole, Lyndsey and Steve for taking on the London Marathon and raising such an amazing amount for our charity.
“To see our biggest-ever marathon team raise more than £12,700 is a fantastic achievement, and every pound will help us continue supporting patients, families and colleagues across our hospitals.”
Applications to join Team DBTH Charity for the 2027 London Marathon are now open. Visit the charity’s Instagram page, @dbthcharity, and click the link in the bio to apply.
About DBTH Charity:
Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals’ Charity is the official charity which supports Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Trust to go above and beyond by providing additional equipment, services and amenities for our patients, visitors and staff which cannot be funded by the NHS alone.
These additional extras would not be possible without the support of our community. With your help, we can continue to work with our Trust to fund innovative and exciting projects that make a difference to our patients, their families and our colleagues who care for them.
Visit the charity website to find out more: https://dbthcharity.co.uk/