Hi I’m Simon, a 46-year-old family man, Applications Support Manager and Fire Fighter who is running the London marathon on the 21st of April, 2024 accompanied by my good friend and colleague Karl. I am a true Geordie but now am privileged to call Coalville home with my lovely wife Claire and 2 teenage daughters Lucie and Aimee. This marathon isn't just a personal challenge; it's a collective effort by the 'Retained Runners' group in Coalville, a bunch of dedicated firefighters who've embraced the running bug. From conquering 10k runs to finishing the Great North Run Half Marathon, now we’re setting our sights on the London Marathon!

Running isn't just about physical fitness for us; it's a mental health tool. Being firefighters, we are exposed to high-stress situations regularly. To combat this every Monday the Retained Runners hit the streets, not just to clock miles but to share stories, laughs, and a bit of football banter. The camaraderie is real, and it keeps us going.

Now, the journey ahead won't be a walk in the park. Running for around 5 hours and tackling 26 miles is not easy and will require a lot of hard work. We will have to incorporate a strict training scheme to ensure we are ready to tackle the streets of London in April. Follow along with our journey on Enrych’s Facebook page!

Why, you ask? Well, besides the thrill of the run and the prestigious medal awaiting us at the finish line, we’re on a mission to raise awareness for Enrych—a mental health and disability charity promoting Living With Purpose, providing specialist Support and Employability Services, so that ALL people can embrace their aspirations.

Join us in this adventure. Let's not just run for the thrill but run for a cause. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can make a difference.

Cheers,

Simon Ellison