Woman runs London Marathon in memory of former Swindon Town volunteer

Chris Kirkland was deputy head teacher at Wootton Bassett Secondary School, before volunteering at Swindon Town FC for many seasons as a steward and turnstile operator.

He was diagnosed with cancer and died in March last year. 

Now his granddaughter-in-law Laura Humphrey is taking on one of the UK's biggest and most formidable races to raise funds for The Institute of Cancer Research, London in his memory.

She had planned to run the London marathon in October 2022, but had to pull out due to injury, but is excited to be able to finally take part on Sunday.

Laura, 29, a financial services team leader from Chichester said: “I’m running the marathon in memory of Chris because he did so much for so many people. Even in his last couple of weeks, when he was bed-bound, he still put everyone else first.

"I remember my partner and I were moving house at the time, and Chris had written a list of everything we’d need to do and look out for – he was so thoughtful, even to the very end of his life.

Laura Humprey in her vest ready for the London Marathon (Image: Laura Humphrey)

 “Chris was always promoting exercise. He ran youth football camps for 20 years and used to fundraise for underprivileged children to go on football tours. He’d always loved running too.

"He’d run the London and the New York marathons, as well as other local ones. When I ran the virtual London Marathon in 2021, he got up at 6am just to call and wish me good luck and tell me that I’d do a great job.

 “He was an inspiration to a lot of people. He did so much for the community, helping bring joy, opportunity and happiness to so many young people. I just hope I can do him proud.”

Chris was described by many as a 'hugely popular and inspirational figure'.

One example posted on the Royal Wootton Bassett Town Football Club website after his death “Chris made a remarkable contribution to sporting life in Royal Wootton Bassett and the wider community thanks to his infectious enthusiasm, passion for sport and a generosity of spirit that knew no ends.”

Lannah Carbonilla, head of supporter engagement at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: “Every pound raised means that our research can keep moving forward, and every step taken towards that finish line brings our researchers one step closer to finishing cancer.”

To support Laura please donate on her fundraising page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ljhumphrey