KGM Motors UK is proud to announce that Gavin Pell, Managing Director of Chandlers in Grantham, Lincolnshire, and a valued member of KGM UK’s esteemed dealer network, will be participating in the London Marathon 2024 on 21st April. Gavin will be running alongside his family friend Dr Caroline Johnson MP to raise funds for Bliss, a charity which provides vital support to parents of babies who are born prematurely or with health issues.
Embarking on their debut marathon journey in their mid-40s has sparked a fitness journey for both Gavin and Caroline. What initially began as a light-hearted challenge amongst friends nearly 12 months ago has now culminated in their commitment to run the London Marathon.
Reflecting on the origins of their marathon aspiration, Gavin said, “It all started when we were playing with our respective children at a family BBQ on their climbing frame and concluded that we were all getting a little bit overweight and not very mobile anymore. So, we decided that we would get on with losing some weight, which spiralled from a bit of a light-hearted competition to then signing up for the London Marathon.”
Gavin has personally experienced the support provided by Bliss, which has given him a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by families with prematurely born or ill babies. Meanwhile, Caroline, leveraging her professional background as an NHS paediatrician, has cared for numerous babies who require medical intervention – from those born a few weeks early to those needing medical, cardiac, and surgical treatment up to term – in local hospitals. She has also been a vocal advocate for improved care and has raised awareness within Parliament.
“We are running for Bliss as it is a charity that we both hold close to our hearts for different reasons,” continued Gavin. “They step in during times of immense trauma where a baby is born prematurely, a situation that often arises unexpectedly. Families find themselves thrust into highly stressful circumstances, often far from home, as they navigate the complexities of caring for a fragile newborn in a specialised hospital.
“They offer invaluable practical, emotional, and financial support during these difficult times, helping families manage the challenges of living in a hospital environment while also caring for their other children. They truly are a wonderful charity.”
Grateful for the unwavering support from colleagues at Chandlers and KGM UK, Gavin acknowledged, “The enthusiasm from everyone at Chandler’s has been very motivational. While I may have gone on at them a bit too much about fitness and even went as far as stretching stiff legs from all the training during meetings, their support has been brilliant! I would also like to thank KGM for their very kind donation.”
The fundraiser aims to address the critical need for enhanced neonatal care, supporting families with premature or unwell newborns. With approximately 1 in 7 babies in the UK requiring specialist care, every contribution to the fundraising page will play a part in driving positive change.