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Daffodil Runner statue installed at Marie Curie Hospice in Penarth

Wednesday, 5 August 2026 at 15:33

By Nathan Spackman

A striking steel sculpture created for Marie Curie’s year as the Official Charity of the 2026 TCS London Marathon has been given a permanent home outside the charity’s hospice in Penarth.

The Daffodil Runner, unveiled earlier this year at Potter’s Field Park in London, now stands at the entrance to the Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff and the Vale. The piece was designed by Ammanford-based artist Alan Ross and incorporates 557 steel daffodils – each representing one of the people who die every day in the UK without the end-of-life care they need.

Alan said the symbolism behind the sculpture stayed with him throughout the creative process “Every daffodil represents a person who didn’t get the end of life care they deserved, and seeing them lined up hit me hard. Having lost loved ones myself, I know just how valuable Marie Curie’s work is, so it has been an honour to work on this special commission.”

Runners who took part in the 2026 marathon, along with those preparing for 2027, visited the hospice on Monday (August 3) for the statue’s official unveiling.

Marie Curie recently confirmed it raised more than £2.3 million as the marathon’s 2026 Charity of the Year – a huge increase on the £450,000 raised in 2025 and well above its £2 million target. The total was driven by 744 runners and thousands of supporters, and is equivalent to 100,000 hours of nursing care or funding the charity’s Support Line for more than six years.

Penarth volunteer and 2026 marathon runner Hilary James said the experience was unforgettable “The support was fantastic because of the extra cheer stations. I had a photo with the Daffodil Runner at the expo. Everyone taking part in 2027 will have a brilliant time.”

Among those preparing for next year’s event is Hama Sharif, who will run the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon and begin work as a foundation year doctor at the hospice in September.

“I was exploring palliative care anyway, and chose Marie Curie because that’s where my uncle was. When I looked at which charity to run for, I saw Marie Curie – and all the stars aligned.”

Marie Curie’s year as the marathon’s official charity also included Grief Run Clubs with Run Your Mind, several world record attempts, and a team of nurses and healthcare assistants – the ‘To The End Team’ – who walked the full 26.2-mile route to highlight the charity’s commitment to supporting people at the end of life.

Marie Curie is now encouraging people to apply for a 2027 Double TCS London Marathon charity place to help fund more end-of-life care across the UK. Details are available at: mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/charity-events/running/london-marathon

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