I am running the TCS London Marathon 2026 for YMCA Fairthorne Group

Benjamin Cooper is raising money for YMCA England and Wales

London Marathon 2026 · 26 April 2026 · Start fundraising for this event

#TeamYMCA are running this year's London Marathon in support of young people - helping them to belong, contribute and thrive in their communities.

Story

I have never attempted a marathon before but go big or go home right?!

I have always dabbled in running, but in 2019 I decided to get a bit more serious about it. Skip forward 6 years and after running the ABP Southampton 1/2 Marathon in April 2025, I decided I wanted to really challenge myself - what better than the London Marathon right?!

I work for YMCA Fairthorne Group and so I see, first hand, the hard work that my colleagues and our volunteers put in to help young people have a better start in life. It is therefore a privilege to fundraise for them.

Thank you so much for donating, I cannot express how much it means to me.

Best Efforts:

5K 21:53

10K 48:46

10 mile 1:20

Half-Marathon 1:46

YMCA exists to provide the essential building blocks for a full and rewarding life: a safe home; acceptance; guidance; friendship; physical and mental health; academic support; employment skills; and access to real opportunities.

Many young people have never known these things; other people have lost one or more as they grew up, but we all need them. All of us.

YMCA provides these critical foundations for a fresh, strong start for young people and a better quality of life in the community.

YMCAs vision in England and Wales is to transform communities so that all young people can belong, contribute and thrive.

Donation summary

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Offline
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