Hey everyone i’m Running the Edinburgh Marathon to Keep Families Close When It Matters Most just like it did ours staying in the hospital for 10 months

On Sunday 24 May 2026, I’ll be lacing up my trainers and taking on the full 26.2 miles of the Edinburgh Marathon – voted the fastest marathon in the UK by Runner’s World. The route winds through iconic Edinburgh streets and along the stunning East Lothian coastline, and while I’m excited (and a little terrified!) about the challenge, the real reason I’m running is much bigger than a personal best.

I’m fundraising for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK because no family should have to face the heartbreak of a seriously ill child alone – or miles away from their bedside.

When a child is receiving life-saving treatment at a hospital far from home, parents often have to choose between being close to their child and affording somewhere safe and comfortable to stay. Ronald McDonald House Charities changes that. They provide free “home away from home” accommodation right next to major children’s hospitals across the UK – including the beautiful Ronald McDonald House in Edinburgh, which opened in 2021 on the top floor of the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People.

Families get warm bedrooms, home-cooked meals, laundry facilities, play areas for siblings, and – most importantly – the emotional support to be together during the hardest days. In Edinburgh alone, the House welcomed hundreds of families in recent years, letting parents rest just minutes from their child’s bedside instead of facing long, exhausting journeys or expensive hotels.

My training has already brought tough early mornings, sore legs, rainy long runs, and moments of doubt – but every step reminds me how small my discomfort is compared to what these families endure. If pounding the pavements for a few hours can help one more family stay close, sleep better, and focus on their child rather than logistics, then every mile will be worth it.

I’m aiming to raise £1,000 minimum for #TeamRMHCUK] to support the vital work of Ronald McDonald House Charities UK. Even small donations make a huge difference:

• £25 could provide essential groceries or a hot meal for a family during a long hospital stay.

• £50 could help cover laundry and everyday needs.

• £100 could contribute toward a night’s accommodation in a safe, supportive space.

Please sponsor me today – it takes just a minute and means the world.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Daniel-Crolla?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Whether you donate £5, £50, or simply share this page, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’ll be posting training updates, photos from the road, and (hopefully!) a medal selfie on race day. Follow along and cheer me on!

Together, we can help more families stay close when their child needs them most. 💙🏃‍♂️

#TeamRMHCUK #EdinburghMarathon2026 #RunForRMHC #Fundraising #MarathonChallenge #TeamKobiTheBrave