Peterborough teacher thinking of 'bigger picture' ahead of London Marathon double
Sinead Rayner completed the route for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall in 2024
She's already conquered it once, and today a teacher from Peterborough is ready to run the London Marathon again.
Sinead Rayner's uncle and grandad were both looked after at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in the city, the place which she ran for 12 months ago.
"You're about to grieve, so they're helping you prepare and get through that and I think I would've probably found it 10 times more challenging if I didn't have the support they gave then," she said.
"I'd have my dinner whilst my grandad had his dinner and they're (hospice staff very personable.
"They get to know you as a family, they get to know the patient; I could go and experience maybe not seeing my grandad in the best way and they would offer that kind of help to get through that process."
'Bigger picture' mentality
Sinead now aiming to finish the famous 26.2-mile course for a second year having first ran the route in 2024, while raising around £5,000.
In the lead-up to the event, she has held fundraising events such as a charity night and a staff breakfast, for a place that has left a lasting impact.
"They (Thorpe Hall) are giving you a memory as well at the same time and they're trying to make what would be a negative memory as positive as it can be in that situation," Sinead said.
She'll be passing some of London's most famous landmarks on her way through the city - from Buckingham Palace to Tower Bridge.
And despite the pain she might endure, Sinead has a plan to overcome that battle.
"When I'm doing a long run and the wind's blowing in my face, my legs are hurting and I'm like 'I just want to stop', I just think of the bigger picture," she added.
"Pain is there for a few moments, but ultimately, going on and completing it, that feeling is over (and above) any of that."