News / charity
Two Hippodrome employees to run ‘mini-marathon’ for charity
Two Bristol Hippodrome employees will be running a warm-up “mini-marathon” passing 22 Bristol landmarks ahead of their London Marathon run to raise funds for charity.
Meet Jo Snow and Steve Jones, who will run the 2025 London Marathon with the goal of raising £6,500 for Children’s Hospice South West.
For Jo, this is more than just a gesture – it is a deeply personal tribute to the services she and her family received from the charity.
is needed now More than ever
Jo Snow, sales and development manager at the theatre, tragically lost her 14-year-old daughter Stella in 2023, while Naomi Kilcoyne, sales and development manager, lost her four-month-old son Leo in 2024.
Staff at the Hippodrome have organised a several of fundraisers for the charity that has supported their colleagues through difficult times.
Both Steve and Jo have been training since last year and as a warm-up to the big run in April, they will be running a 15-mile “mini marathon” on Friday passing 22 Bristol landmarks and businesses.
The route will begin at Great Western Air Ambulance on Ashton Road and finish at the Granary on Welsh Back.
So far, they have raised over £3,600 and will hit the tarmac on Friday, hoping for further generous donations.
Jo Snow tragically lost her 14-year-old daughter Stella (left) in 2023, while Naomi Kilcoyne lost her four-month-old son Leo in 2024
Steve Jones, head of marketing and communications at Bristol Hippodrome, said: “I need to stop having these fundraising ideas! As the day of the mini marathon draws nearer, the nerves are starting to hit.
“But I’m sure that once we’re at the start at The Wave, the excitement will return. I had the privilege of visiting the hospice last week, and that experience will stay with me throughout the day.
“I’m also looking forward to visiting all our supportive business partners along the route. I know Jo is especially keen to get to Southmead Fire Station before we look too dishevelled!”
Jo Snow training for London Marathon in the sweltering heat of Western Australia
Jo Snow said: “I’m a mix of nerves and excitement about the mini marathon. I’m nervous because we’ve set the route, and initially, it felt like a long way off, but now it’s actually happening this week.
“But I’m excited because I can’t wait to visit our partners and take over the Bristol Hippodrome Instagram for the day. Hopefully, this will generate a buzz and, in turn, raise more funds for CHSW, a charity that’s very close to my heart.”
“As the day of the mini marathon draws nearer, the nerves are starting to hit,” said Steve Jones
Children’s Hospice South West provides specialist respite, end-of-life, and emotional support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families, including bereavement support and practical assistance.
To support the fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com/page/bristol-hippodrome
All photos: Bristol Hippodrome
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
