MATT

After watching the London marathon this year, I had a bit of a light-bulb moment and decided I wanted to run, even though I’ve never been a runner. The fact that I had just turned 46 as well made me feel like I wanted to go out and prove something to myself, I readily admit the moment I chose to apply for my first marathon resembles a mid-like crisis, sadly the opportunity to splash out on a sports car or expensive holiday is out of the question!

Inspired by reading Salvation Army material I decided straightaway I wanted to run for such a great cause

My son Luke is also running with me, I feel emotional just thinking about crossing the finish line together, even if I have to crawl I will finish !

LUKE

My main motivation would be the charity fund raising aspect of the run, especially as the project theme for the 2018 marathon is to raise money for the homelessness services. Working in London every day I see many homeless people and it is practically impossible to give money to everyone. Raising money through this method means that funds are going through the correct channels and helping in the most effective way.

Another motivation of mine is to accomplish the feat of running a marathon, I am a keen runner but never taken part in an event of this scale, so to complete it would be massive personal milestone.