Leicester’s X-Factor winning singing star Sam Bailey says she is even more determined to complete the London Marathon in support of the Leicester Children’s Hospital Appeal after the event was postponed until October.

Sam Bailey had been preparing to run her first ever marathon during next month’s edition of the iconic event, along with husband Craig Pearson, personal trainer Dan Morris and friend Debbie. Due to concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak, London Marathon organisers have postponed the event until Sunday 4 October.

The team had decided to take on the 26.2 mile run around the capital in support of the Leicester Children’s Hospital Appeal, raising over £8,000 towards efforts to give the East Midlands its first dedicated children’s hospital in Leicester.

Despite the disappointment of the run being postponed, Sam says she is not letting up in her goal to complete the race in the autumn and raise even more funds for the cause.

“It’s with great sadness that the London Marathon has been postponed until October,” says Sam.

“It is the right decision because of this unbelievable virus. It’s made me and the team even more determined and motivated to support Leicester Hospitals Charity and to do the run in October and raise as much money as possible for the new children’s hospital. We want to do the children of the East Midlands proud. We stand by the staff of our NHS.”

Anyone wishing to donate to Team Sam’s fundraising efforts is encouraged to sponsor them via their Virgin Money Giving page.

The public can also help make the Leicester Children’s Hospital Appeal a success by visiting DoThemProud.com to donate, sign up as a supporter or learn more about the appeal, or can follow the appeal on Facebook at FB.me/DoThemProud and help spread the word on social media using #DoThemProud.