I’ll be running the 2026 London Landmarks Half Marathon on behalf of a cause that is very close to my heart, the Justin Edinburgh 3 Foundation.

Justin Edinburgh, who enjoyed a very successful playing career with Tottenham Hotspur, was manager of Leyton Orient between 2017-2019, where I worked as Media Manager.

During his spell at Orient, he won the National League title and reached the FA Trophy final, cementing himself as one of the club’s most successful managers.

Tragically, just weeks after the final, he suffered a cardiac arrest while at the gym and passed away at the age of just 49. Beyond his achievements in football, he was a beloved father, husband, son, brother and friend.

Unfortunately, the gym where he collapsed didn’t have a defibrillator on site, which could have given him a fighting chance at survival.

As a result, his family have dedicated themselves to providing CPR training, raising awareness on the needs of defibrillators and are working to introduce a law to ensure that health and fitness facilities have a defibrillator on site, which is not a requirement at the moment.

Their efforts have already saved countless lives, proven when Justin’s son Charlie played a key role in resuscitating a friend who collapsed on a golf course last year. The way they’ve turned such a tragic scenario into a positive is one of the most awe inspiring things I’ve seen.

From a personal POV, Justin was a mentor to me as someone in my early twenties. He knew when to drive standards and be tough on me but he was also the first person to text me when I was attending my grandmother’s funeral, or compliment my work. His death brought to light the impact he made on such a significant amount of people.

Running is something I’ve grown to love in the last 18 months and I’ve become the fittest I’ve ever been, so to take part in this race and raise some money for the JE3 Foundation is really special to me.