Supporters fundraising stories

Joe Hickman’s Oxford Half Marathon

After Joe’s stepmum, Kim, died at Katharine House he set about fundraising for the hospice by participating in the Oxford Half Marathon.

Name: Joe Hickman
Event: Oxford Half Marathon 2025
Venue: Oxford
Amount raised: Just over £8,000

Why did you choose to support Katharine House Hospice with your fundraising?

I chose Katharine House Hospice because my stepmum, Kim, was taken there for what turned out to be the last six or so weeks of her life. The support she received, and the support my family received while in the care of Katharine House, was incredible and made the whole time there that little bit easier.

Tell us a bit about your event or activity

In September 2025, I ran the Oxford Half Marathon. It was the first half marathon I had ever completed, and the training for it completely turned my life around fitness-wise. I managed to lose just over three stone because I was so determined to do what I said I was going to do and make Kim proud.

What tips would you pass onto other fundraisers? What worked well for you?

Be as shameless and persistent as you can. Although you’re asking people for money, at the end of the day it’s for a cause much bigger and better than what people would typically spend £5, £10 or £15 on. Why not put it towards something that benefits people in such a big way and helps provide care to people in dire need of it?

Joe Hickman With His Stepmum Kim And Family

How much did you raise?

Just over £8,000.

My company, Celnor Group, has a fundraising scheme with a £5,000 budget each year. If employees fundraise, they can apply to have their total doubled through matched funding.

I was lucky that only one other person had fundraised last year, so by the time Oxford Half came round, there was still £4,000 left in the budget. As it’s first come, first served, I was able to apply and received the full £4,000 in matched funding for Katharine House!

“It was about honouring Kim’s memory, making her proud, and helping others going through the same experience.”

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

Just a massive thank you to everyone at Katharine House Hospice who helped my stepmum and my dad through an incredibly difficult time. Knowing Kim was as comfortable as she could be near the end makes me happy, as some people aren’t lucky enough to get to that point. All the staff I met and spoke to were so warm and friendly, and learning that some of them volunteered really touched me, so I wanted to help them as much as possible by raising money.

Feeling inspired?

The Oxford Half Marathon takes place each October and we have places available (until they run out!) should you want to join the Katharine House Oxford Half team.

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