Tory peer and former Conservative health minister Lord James Bethell is preparing to run through the streets of London with #TeamNSPCC in the upcoming TCS London Marathon on Sunday 21 April.
Lord Bethell will be racing in memory of his late aunt Sally Wigram MBE, who passed away this February following a battle with septicaemia.
Over the course of 40 years, Sally was a major fundraiser and active supporter for NSPCC. In the late 00s she supported in the Full Stop Fellowship Group and following this, she was awarded an MBE for her support of the charity.
Sally was also an Honorary Life Member of the NSPCC Council and worked with the NSPCC’s Paddington Branch for over 30 years. The London Appeal Committee which she chaired raised an incredible £4.3M for the NSPCC and she continued to support the NSPCC in subsequent years.
Lord Bethell has also forged close ties with the children’s charity through his campaigning work on child safety. He was particularly interested and involved with the NSPCC’s push to make the online world safer for children through the delivery of the Online Safety Bill.
Lord Bethell said: “When my Mother died, my aunt Sally protected me. She was there when I needed her. My first day at big school. When things went wrong. Everyone needs a fall-back plan and she was mine.
“For some children, they don’t have an Aunt Sally. That’s where the NSPCC plays a critical role.
“During her life, Sally was committed to the NSPCC, raising £Ms for the Full Stop campaign and championing their work with children.
“That’s why I am running the London Marathon in her memory. To build on her fundraising efforts for the NSPCC. And to give thanks for everything she did to protect me.”
Peter Wanless, CEO at the NSPCC, said: “Sally was a tireless supporter of the NSPCC and for over 40 years, worked with and inspired many of our staff and volunteers.
“As Sally’s nephew, Lord James Bethell, prepares to run the London Marathon to honour his aunt and continue to support our work, it is important to acknowledge the huge contribution that Sally made to the Society over the years.
“Much like his aunt, Lord Bethell has made it his mission to ensure that every child has a bright and healthy future. We thank him for keeping the rights of children front and centre in the House of Lords and for fundraising to help us deliver essential services for children and families across the UK.
“My thoughts are with Sally’s family and friends at this difficult time, but what a legacy she leaves behind. Sally will be fondly remembered by so many of us.”
