The countdown is on for the Chief Executive and Chief Medical Officer at Oswestry’s specialist orthopaedic hospital – who will be running the TCS London Marathon later this year in aid of the hospital’s charity.

Stacey Keegan, Chief Executive, and Dr Ruth Longfellow, Chief Medical Officer, are both hard at work training for the annual 26-mile race around the capital to raise money for The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital charity fund.

Stacey, who also ran the London Marathon last year in aid of the RJAH Charity, said: “I started running initially to improve my physical health and soon realised the benefits to my mental health – running gives me the headspace and downtime I need. I think it’s incredibly important that we all find a hobby or activity which gives us that time to de-stress.

“Running the marathon in 2022 was a truly phenomenal experience and I’m incredibly proud to do my bit to raise money for the RJAH Charity.

“I know that all our staff provide an excellent service to patients and money raised will only enhance this experience for both patients and staff.”

Runners who pledge their support to the RJAH Charity must commit to raise at least £1,500 which will support research to explore new treatments, provide state of the art equipment and facilities, and initiatives for staff and patient wellbeing.

Ruth added: “I am excited at the prospect of running through London and revisiting places I have visited before. London is also a relatively flat course, which is a bonus.

“My reasons for running for the London Marathon are to raise money for the RJAH Charity and to experience the exhilaration of completing a marathon distance. All the RJAH runners who completed last year’s marathon said it was an amazing experience. Their enthusiasm was infectious and really inspired me to apply for a place.

“I’m incredibly grateful to anyone who is able to sponsor me.”

As well as Stacey and Ruth, another 26 people – made up of staff and members of the local community – will be part of Team RJAH on Sunday 23 April.

Heather Thomas-Bache, Head of Fundraising, Volunteering and Communications for the RJAH Charity, said: “The London Marathon is the biggest fundraiser on the calendar and all runners play a massive part in enabling us to provide the best possible support to patients and staff at RJAH.

“We are delighted that Stacey and Ruth will both be taking part in the event and raising money for the RJAH Charity.”

If anyone would like to donate to their fundraising, you can do so via JustGiving: