On the morning of the London Marathon in April 2025, thousands of people were pinning race numbers to their shirts.

That same day, we lost my Nan.

While the streets of London were filled with runners raising money for cancer care and hospices, our family was holding her hand and saying goodbye.

That contrast has stayed with me.

Nan was our constant.

The voice at the end of the phone.

The quiet strength.

She didn’t ask for fuss. She just showed up — for everyone, always.

When I was given the opportunity to run the 2026 London Marathon through Action for A-T, it didn’t feel random. It felt significant.

Action for A-T is a UK charity dedicated to funding high-quality, peer-reviewed medical research into Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) — a rare and devastating genetic condition affecting children and families.

Their mission is to accelerate the development of effective treatments, improve outcomes, and continue investing in research that brings real hope for the future.

The marathon is famous for raising money for cancer care and hospices — and rightly so. But it is also a platform to shine a light on smaller charities doing vital, life-changing work that many people may never have heard of.

Action for A-T is one of those charities.

Being given the privilege — to run on a day that now carries so much meaning — put things into perspective.

After 15 years building a life in New Zealand, my girlfriend and I chose to move home to England to be closer to family.

Life is fragile. Being present matters.

This marathon now feels like a full-circle moment.

I’ll be running through the same streets I once stood on as a child, cheering on the runners with my family.

If I can use 26.2 miles to help fund research, support families, and contribute in some small way to that progress, then every mile becomes more than just a finish line.

It becomes meaningful.

**********The Final Push**********

Over the next 60 days, I’m setting myself an additional challenge: to raise £6,000 before race day.

I’ll be sharing training updates, fundraising challenges, and the journey on Instagram as I push towards that goal.

If you’d like to follow along, you can find me there.

But if you’re here right now — please consider donating today and being part of something that truly matters.

Thank you for your support.