T.H. March director raises £13,000 for Children's Hospice South West

Andrew Alcock, Finance Director of Yelverton based jewellery insurance specialists, T.H. March Insurance Brokers took part in the 2008 ING New York City Marathon in early November and raised over £13,000 for Children's Hospice South West.

Children's Hospice South West provides specialist hospice care throughout the South West for very poorly and terminally ill children and their families. Through its Precious Lives Appeal, CHSW is raising funds to build a new hospice, near St Austell.

Speaking after the marathon, Andrew said:

"This was my first marathon and taking part in one of the world's largest races was an incredible experience.

Close to 40,000 runners took part and there were thousands of supporters all along the route. The run goes through all 5 boroughs of New York City - from Staten Island, through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and then Manhattan. We had a fantastic reception in each borough - a really festival atmosphere. As well as well-wishers, there were lots of bands, including school brass bands and gospel choirs, all helping everyone along.

It was really hard work, but I made it. It was by far the most difficult thing I have ever done, physically, and I still feel exhausted.

I am very pleased to help Children's Hospice South West and am amazed by the level of support I have received in fundraising - from friends, family and colleagues as well as from clients and business partners of T.H March. In particular, I would like to thank Jardine Lloyd Thompson, Vospers, Bond Pearce and Michael Spiers."

Andrew completed the marathon in 4 hours 58 minutes.

Emma Lloyd, Children's Hospice South West's Precious Lives Appeal Manager said:

"We are delighted that Andrew has chosen to support our very special appeal to build a children?s hospice for Plymouth and Cornwall. He has put so much into both his training and fundraising and I congratulate him on his success."