Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
On 26 April 2026, I successfully completed the TCS London Marathon, one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life.
I made a conscious decision not to seek sponsorship before the marathon. I wanted to ensure that I could complete the challenge first before asking family, friends, colleagues and the wider community for support. Rather than asking people to sponsor an ambition, I wanted them to support an achievement.
Having now crossed the finish line, I am hoping to raise £2,026, and I will be donating 100% of the funds raised to the Mira Rai Initiative, a charity in Nepal that empowers girls and young women through running, education, leadership and opportunity.
Why the Mira Rai Initiative?
Many people may not have heard of Mira Rai, but her story is truly inspirational.
Born in a remote village in Nepal, Mira overcame extraordinary challenges, including poverty and conflict, before becoming one of the world's most renowned trail runners and being recognised as a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year.
Wanting to create opportunities for others, Mira founded the Mira Rai Initiative, a non-profit organisation that helps girls and young women improve their social and economic opportunities through sport, education, leadership development and running.
Running changed Mira's life, and through her charity she is helping to change the lives of many others.
Learn more about Mira's work here:
Why This Cause Means So Much to Me
I was fortunate to receive the opportunity to run the London Marathon through Nepal Run UK, an organisation that has done tremendous work promoting health, wellbeing and community engagement through running.
As someone who was born in Nepal and has built a life and career in the United Kingdom, I feel privileged to be able to support a cause that helps create opportunities for young people in my country of birth.
I believe that every child and young person deserves the opportunity to dream, develop their talents and reach their full potential regardless of where they are born or what circumstances they face.
A Proven Record of Fundraising
Volunteering and charitable work have always been important to me.
I have worked in the NHS for over 20 years and currently serve as Head of Clinical Coding & Data Quality at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust.
In 2023, I completed a 55-mile London to Brighton Cycle Ride, raising almost £3,000 for Croydon Health Charity's Little Breaths Appeal.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/surajcyclesforcroydon
I was delighted to see the appeal go on to achieve its fundraising target and fund two life-saving children's ventilators for Croydon University Hospital.
As Croydon Health Charity reported:
"Donations have purchased two children's ventilators for the Emergency Department and Rainbow Children's Unit which will help to deliver life-saving breaths for some of the sickest children in Croydon, from babies to teenagers."
The successful outcome of the appeal was featured by Inside Croydon:
Knowing that my fundraising efforts contributed towards equipment that is now helping save children's lives remains one of the proudest achievements of my charitable work.
Fundraising as a Family
In September 2025, my wife Prativa, our children Eva and Evan, and I took part in Croydon Health Charity's first-ever Move For Good 10K Walk, raising funds towards a dementia-friendly therapeutic garden at Croydon University Hospital:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/suraj-mani-paudel-1
As a family, we strongly believe in giving back to our communities and supporting worthwhile causes. We were delighted to play a small part in an event that collectively raised over £17,000 towards improving the care environment for patients living with dementia.
How You Can Help
My fundraising target is £2,026, reflecting the year in which I completed the London Marathon.
Every donation, no matter how large or small, will help support the important work of the Mira Rai Initiative and create opportunities for girls and young women in Nepal.
If you are unable to donate, I would be extremely grateful if you could share this page with your family, friends and colleagues.
Thank you for your kindness, generosity and support.
Together, we can help empower the next generation to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams and transform their futures.
"The marathon is complete, but the journey to help others has only just begun."
