At 75 years young, Teddington resident Remo Grasso is proving that age is just a number as he gears up to take on the 2025 London Marathon to raise funds for three local charities close to his heart: Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston, Homelink, and Integrated Neurological Services.
This will be Remo’s third marathon, but his first in over twenty years. ‘I last ran the London Marathon at 52, and then the New York Marathon three years later,’ he says. ‘Ever since then, I’ve thought about doing another one, but kept putting it off with all sorts of excuses. Then, watching the London Marathon in April 2024, I decided, “It’s now or never.”’
Despite the gruelling 26.2 miles that lie ahead of him, Remo is determined to complete the challenge, motivated by his own experience of caring for his beloved mother, Flora, who suffered from Alzheimer’s.
‘Caring is a cause very close to my heart,’ says Remo. ‘I had the longest goodbye with my precious mum, whose light and life faded due to the ravages of Alzheimer’s. For many years, I was my mother’s full-time carer — often a torturous and lonely time — but I was blessed with the support of my dear sister, Vilma, and others, not least the absolute gold dust in the form of charities Crossroads Care and Homelink.’
Both charities provided crucial support to Remo and his mother during their most challenging years, and to this day, Remo gives back by volunteering regularly with them.Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston offers high-quality bespoke home and community respite care and support, giving carers much-needed breaks. Their respite groups, such as the Caring Café, provide isolated carers and their loved ones with friendship, activities, and specialist information, advice and support.
‘26.2 miles is a hell of a distance,’ Remo admits. ‘The London Marathon is going to be gruelling, but I’m determined. So please support me, donate and cheer me on — not only will you be helping these incredible charities to continue their good work, but you’ll also be inspiring me to keep running. I’ll need all the support I can get!’
To donate, cheer Remo on and support all three amazing charities, visit his fundraising page here.
