I’m running this year’s London Marathon for my friend Felix.

Felix and I met over ten years ago on a study abroad trip in China. Back then, Xi was pulling pints with David Cameron in a Cotswolds pub, and we spent a month together in Shanghai studying Mandarin and learning more about the country.

At the time, I didn’t fully understand Felix’s tics. I later learned he has Tourette’s. Like many people, most of what I thought I knew came from TV programmes that had sensationalised and misunderstood the condition.

Getting to know Felix changed that completely. What stood out wasn’t Tourette’s — it was his intelligence, kindness, and our shared passion for history, culture and literature. Over the years, I’ve learned much more about Tourette’s, and about how much misunderstanding and stigma still exists.

Through Felix, I’ve also had the chance to meet many other people living with Tourette’s. Their experiences are all different, but they share the challenge of navigating misunderstanding and stigma in everyday life. It’s made me realise how important awareness, empathy and support really are.

Felix is now a trustee of Tourette's Action, the UK’s leading support and research charity for people with Tourette Syndrome and their families. They provide practical support, run support groups and a befriender network across the UK, offer resources for schools and families, and fund vital research and grants.

Recently, Tourette’s has been in the spotlight following the success of I Swear at the BAFTA Awards. Felix and I went to the UK premiere together, which was a brilliant experience. It’s genuinely one of the standout films of the year, but more importantly, it offers a thoughtful and realistic portrayal of what it can be like to live with Tourette’s. If you get the chance, I’d really recommend watching it.

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The decision to run the marathon came after I watched the final finishers last year in St James’ Park. Seeing ordinary people do something extraordinary made me wonder whether I could do the same.

Months later, an opportunity came up through my work at Sport England to take part. I was pretty scared when I was offered a place. It quickly became a question of how to do it: walking, walking in a Barney the purple dinosaur costume (yes, this was genuinely considered), or… running it.

The Monday after, I went out for a 4k walk. Then on Thursday, a 6k run. That was it. I decided I was going to run the London Marathon.

It’s not something I ever thought I’d do, but when the opportunity presents itself, how can you say no? Fear is the mind-killer, after all.

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If you’re able to donate, I would be hugely grateful. Any support — big or small — will make a real difference. Thank you so much for reading and for your support.