Running the London Marathon for the Royal Signals Charity

Running the London Marathon has always been a massive ambition of mine. For years, I have applied in the hope of securing a place, seeing it as a test of resilience, discipline, and endurance. This year, I was fortunate enough to finally obtain one.

However that ambition has now taken on a much deeper meaning.

In 2021, I joined the Army Reserve and now serve with 94 (Berkshire Yeomanry) Signal Squadron in Windsor as part of the Royal Corps of Signals. From the moment I joined, I realised that service is about far more than training or exercises. It is about people. It is about community. It is about standing beside one another when things are at their very worst.

Recently, three of my colleagues, were diagnosed with cancer.

For anyone who has served, you will understand that your unit quickly becomes more than just somewhere you work. These are the people you train with, struggle alongside, and rely on. You share long weekends in the field, difficult conditions, and moments that forge genuine trust. When one person suffers, everyone feels it.

Two of those colleagues (Cpl Foster and SSgt Carter) are still undergoing treatment today, facing the long and uncertain road that comes with a cancer diagnosis with strength and determination. The Royal Signals Charity has been there to support them and their family throughout this process, helping to ease the burden during an already incredibly difficult time.

Tragically, just before Christmas, my other colleague, LCpl Payne lost her battle with cancer.

She leaves behind her partner and young son.

Her courage, dignity, and strength throughout her illness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. Hearing how the Royal Signals Charity supported both her and the colleague who continues to fight today showed me what it really means when the Corps talks about looking after its own.

The Royal Signals Charity exists to support the 3Rs, Regular and Reserve serving personnel, Retired veterans members of the Royal Corps of Signals, as well as their dependents. This support often comes in the form of benevolence grants for those facing distress or hardship, but it also extends to funding initiatives that encourage camaraderie, preserve Corps history, and support the education of our trades.

In 2024 alone, the Royal Signals Charity provided more than £834,000 in grants and initiatives across our community. Of that, over £340,500 was delivered directly through benevolence grants to those in need. The charity supported 1,250 individuals directly, and many more indirectly through wider community initiatives.

These are not abstract numbers. These are real families. Real colleagues. Real moments of crisis where practical support makes the difference between coping and not coping.

It was in witnessing this support first-hand that my personal goal of running the London Marathon stopped being about me. It became about giving something back.

Training for this marathon has not been straightforward. Earlier this year, I was hit by a car, which set my preparation back by almost four months. There have been moments where completing 26.2 miles has felt like a distant prospect.

But compared to what others endure, this challenge is small.

If pushing through the physical and mental struggle of race day can help raise funds for organisations that stand beside people in their darkest moments, then every mile will be worth it.

Every donation will help ensure that the Royal Signals Charity can continue to support serving personnel, veterans, and their families when they need it most, just as they did for my colleagues when it truly mattered.

Thank you for your support.