Father Honours Daughter Olive In London Marathon Fundraiser

Local Dad George Foster, will be taking on the 26.2 miles at the London Marathon on 26 April 2026 to raise funds for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity’s Baby Bereavement Group, honouring the memory of his daughter Olive. 

Continuing his fundraising to give back after the “extraordinary” care his family received during the most difficult time of their lives. George’s daughter was stillborn in 2022, and throughout the family’s experience, the compassion, professionalism and kindness shown by the hospital teams helped make an unimaginably difficult time a little more bearable. The reassurance and expert care continued when Olive’s brother, Albert, was born, supporting the family through intense anxiety and uncertainty.  

By running his first marathon, George hopes to give back to the teams that supported his family and to help the Baby Bereavement Group continue its life-changing work for other families during their worst moments. 

George shared, “The care and compassion we received meant everything to us. Running the marathon is my way of saying thank you, and of remembering Olive.” 

The Baby Bereavement Group at Ipswich Hospital is run by a team of midwives and maternity care assistants, together with volunteers who are working to change the way bereaved couples are cared for. 

They rely on the support and generosity of the community to help make the service for bereaved parents even better. Through donations and fundraising they have been able to purchase items and provide support to help grieving families. 

So far, they have funded memory boxes, specialist cuddle cots and a quiet room so families can remain together for longer after birth. 

To support George’s fundraising visit: www.justgiving.com/page/georgefoster-londonmarathon