A Northampton woman taking on the London Marathon to give back to the hospital which has supported her through six years of health battles is looking for 26 businesses to help her fundraising challenge.

Louise Thacker will run the TCS London Marathon in 2027 in aid of Northamptonshire Health Charity, which supports local hospitals, staff, patients and their families.

Louise said her own experiences had made the challenge particularly personal, with her local hospital continuing to care for her.

She said: “For the last six years I’ve had my own health battles, and our local hospital has been there for me every step of the way.

Louise Thacker is appealing for support from businesses

placeholder image — Louise Thacker is appealing for support from businesses

“They continue to care for me now, so getting the chance to run London and give something back feels incredibly personal.”

Louise is now hoping to find 26 businesses to sponsor individual miles of the marathon.

Businesses can become a mile partner for £100, with Louise offering recognition through her social media and during her training and marathon journey.

Special sponsorship packages are also available for mile 13, marking the halfway point, and mile 26, priced at £250 each.

Louise added: “I’m putting everything I can into my training and fundraising, and I’m determined to make those 26.2 miles count.

“I know £100 is a big ask, especially for a small business, but if you were able to sponsor one of my miles it would genuinely mean so much to me.

“You wouldn’t just be donating — you’d become part of this journey with me.”