International Women’s Day/Weekend: Finley’s memory will power London Marathon effort

A Denbigh lady who says she is “very much a beginner” when it comes to running is taking on this year’s London Marathon for a very special reason.

Raising money for North Wales’ only children’s hospice, Tŷ Gobaith, Rebecca Jones will be running the 26.2 miles around the Capital in memory of her partner Leon’s nephew, Finley Edwards who died there five years ago.

Finley had battled Leukaemia and was only five years old when he died in October 2020.

Speaking of the invaluable support the hospice offered to Finley’s family, Rebecca said: “Finley’s family talk of the hospice and staff there in such high regard.

“They not only cared for Finley, but for the whole family before and after his passing.

“I’m very much a beginner to running, but Leon and I did the Chester Half Marathon a couple of years ago in Finley’s memory and raised around £1,500 for Tŷ Gobaith.”

Rebecca has entered the famous marathon’s ballot for a place10 times previously but never been lucky enough to secure a spot on the starting line.

This changed in 2024 when she received an email telling her she was in.

In the build up to the race Rebecca was forced to withdraw thanks to injury, but was able to postpone her place until this year and is now more determined than ever.

She said: “I’d always wanted to do it as I see it on tele every year and think ‘I could do that, it would be great fun’.

“I was shocked to find out I’d got a place and began training right up until March but was having very painful legs.

“I finally found a physio who told me I had shin splints and decided not to do it.

“I was lucky enough to be able to defer my place a year.

“We’re here now and we go again.”

This year’s race takes place on Sunday April 27th and Rebecca will be cheered on by Leon who will make the journey down with her.

“Leon is amazing support. If ever I go out for a run in a negative mood he always talks me round and tells me I can do it and that I’m nearly there,” she said.

You can sponsor Rebecca on her mission to support Tŷ Gobaith at https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/rebecca-jones