Two members of our West Herts Hospitals team have completed a personal journey, transforming from patients in our wards to finishers of the world-famous London Marathon.
On Sunday 26 April, Andrea Hone and Joe Barron crossed the finish line in the capital, raising over £7,600 for our charity. Their achievement marks a full-circle moment for both staff members, who previously required life-saving care from the hospitals where they work.
Turning Personal Adversity into Community Support
The funds raised by the pair will support the ‘Caring for Generations’ appeal. This initiative is vital for our local community, as it funds life-saving equipment, improved clinical spaces, and specialised sensory play areas for Children’s Outpatients departments at Watford General, St Albans City, and Hemel Hempstead Hospitals.
Joe’s Story: The Power of Recovery
Joe Barron, Deputy Head of Emergency Planning, Resilience, and Response, completed the 26.2-mile course in five hours, thirty-eight minutes, and thirty-one seconds. His journey to the finish line began ten years ago under far more difficult circumstances.
In 2016, Joe suffered a perforated bowel which necessitated emergency surgery and a week in the Intensive Care Unit.
“I spent six months with a stoma bag and had further major surgery in 2017,” Joe said. “It was an extremely difficult time, but I am so grateful for the care I received from my colleagues; they essentially saved my life. I once thought my ambition of running a marathon was gone, so I feel an incredible sense of pride to have reached the finish line and given back to the Trust.”
Andrea’s Story: Passion for Giving Back
Andrea Hone, a Carers Lead Nurse with twenty-five years of service in the NHS, finished the course in seven hours, six minutes, and twenty-nine seconds. Andrea was motivated by her own recent health battle, having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024.
Following treatment and surgery at St Albans City Hospital, Andrea is now cancer-free and determined to support the units that cared for her.
“Having worked here for so long and having both my children born here, West Herts is more than just a workplace; it is my local hospital,” Andrea explained. “I feel incredibly passionate about giving back to the units that supported me. If I can do it at fifty-two, while managing the menopause and a busy life, anyone can. If you put your mind to it, you most certainly can.”
An Inspiration to the Trust
The fundraising total has already reached over £7,600, with further donations expected to push the final figure well beyond the initial £6,000 target.
Alison Rosen, CEO of West Herts Hospitals Charity, praised their efforts:
“The determination shown by Andrea and Joe is remarkable. To watch them cross the finish line of the world’s most famous marathon is an inspiration to us all. Every penny they have raised will go directly towards enhancing the experience of our patients through our ‘Caring for Generations’ appeal. We are so proud of them.”
How to Support
If the stories of Andrea and Joe have inspired you, please consider entering the ballot for the 2027 London Marathon at https://www.londonmarathonevents.co.uk/ballot. We would be delighted if you could consider running to support West Herts Hospitals Charity.
It is also not too late to contribute to this year’s fundraising total. You can still support the ‘Caring for Generations’ appeal via Joe and Andrea’s official fundraising pages:
Sponsor Joe: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/joe-barron
Sponsor Andrea: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/andrea-hone
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