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Who am I?

Ellen, 24 years old - Graduate Trainee at Taylor Wimpey, fitness fanatic, foodie, watersports lover, skier and musical theatre fan.

Why the Royal British Legion?

This charity is very close to my heart. My better half is currently serving in the Army, and through him I have formed some lifelong friendships with people in the Armed Forces. 

I'm sure most people reading this will also have a close connection who is serving or has served, be it a partner, sibling, friend, grandparent or distant cousin, and will understand the scale and value of the work these people undertake.

I have experienced first hand the challenges that AF personnel face on a day-to-day basis, the impact of which is generally vastly underestimated. Whilst most adore their jobs, protecting and serving the country (an arguably vital function) does not come without sacrifice: whether its working relentless hours, functioning on 2 hours sleep a night, going on exercise for days in rain and snow, being sent to the 4 corners of the world, being unable to contact loved ones or experiencing traumatic events and the loss of friends and colleagues.

The Royal British Legion provides essential support to serving and veteran personnel and their families, such as providing counselling for those with PTSD, aiding with injury rehabilitation and building places for remembrance. In the centenary year of the end of World War I, the choice to run for them felt all the more significant.

Why the London Marathon?

Running a marathon and raising a large amount of money for charity are two things that have always been on my bucket list, so in my 25th year on this earth I figured why not do both!

People in the Armed Forces have to endure physical and mental challenges that most human beings would buckle under, and have the upmost admiration for them. I'm not afraid of a physical challenge and running 26.2 miles (whilst I'm sure doesn't even scratch the surface of the physical challenges they must undergo) seemed a very appropriate way to say thank you and pay tribute.

I would hugely appreciate any donations and your support, no matter how big or small. It is an incredibly worthy cause, the impact of which is and will in the future be felt by all of us.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.