La-Z-Boy will expand its partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities by fundraising for the organisation in this year’s TCS London Marathon.  

The recliner specialist has been the charity’s official furniture provider in the USA since 2008 and has since developed further links worldwide, including in Australia, New Zealand and Thailand.  

Brand marketing director for La-Z-Boy International, Natasha Shillingford, is now aiming to raise at least £2,500 for the charity by running the iconic London Marathon on Sunday, October 2.  

She said: “I’m so pleased to have been chosen to be part of the Ronald McDonald House Charities UK team for this year’s event. This will be my first marathon and I plan on it being a one-off, so I really want to make the most of the experience and do my best for the charity.  Training is going well and I’m improving every week.  I’m enjoying having a goal to work towards and, while I’ve done several half marathons and obstacle races before, this is definitely the biggest challenge I’ve attempted so far.  

“I’ve been really touched by the support I’ve had so far and it’s been interesting to hear from people who’ve been supported personally by the charity. They do incredible work and I’m very proud to be running for them, as part of a wider project to expand our partnership internationally.  I’d urge anyone who can afford to donate to support this cause.”  

With 13 Houses throughout the UK, Ronald McDonald House Charities UK provides free accommodation and support for families with sick or injured children in hospital, to allow them to stay close to their loved ones. When the best medical care isn’t close to home, a Ronald McDonald House keeps families together, helping to reduce stress and financial birden.   

Lily Smith, senior events fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, said: “Our Ronald McDonald Houses offer much more than just a place to stay; they provide family activities, peer support, resources for siblings, respite, laundry facilities and many other services. It’s only with the support of people like Natasha and our companies like La-Z-Boy that we are able to continue providing this vital support to families in need.   

“We thank Natasha sincerely for taking on this epic challenge and wish her all the best for her training and fundraising.”   

In the USA and Canada, La-Z-Boy has donated more than 10,000 pieces of furniture to RMHC, helping furnish 150 new and existing houses.   

Search ‘Natasha Shillingford’ on JustGiving.com to donate to her marathon fundraiser.