In April 2026 I will be taking on two marathons in six days - the Boston Marathon followed by the London Marathon - to raise money and awareness for Usher Kids UK, a charity that is incredibly close to my heart.

On Monday 20th April, I will line up in Hopkinton to run the Boston Marathon, finishing on Boylston Street alongside around 30,000 runners. Boston is the world’s oldest annual marathon, first run in 1897, and is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious races in the world. Each year, around half a million spectators line the course - an atmosphere unlike any other.

This will be my 12th marathon, but even more special, it will be my 6th Abbott World Marathon Major, meaning I will finally complete the Six Star journey that began for me back in London in 2017. The Abbott World Marathon Majors consist of six iconic races: London, New York, Berlin, Chicago, Tokyo and Boston - and this has been a nine-year goal in the making.

What makes this even more meaningful is that I was meant to run Boston last year, but had to withdraw 4 weeks before after suffering a brain haemorrhage. Being able to return now, fit and well, makes this Boston Marathon feel incredibly special.

As if that wasn’t enough, I also secured a Good For Age place for the London Marathon, which takes place just six days later. Running Boston and London back-to-back will be my biggest physical challenge yet - but one I’m proud to take on for such an important cause.

I have previously raised funds through marathon running for Usher Kids UK, a small but extraordinary charity founded by a close friend, and I’m honoured to be supporting them again.

What is Usher syndrome?

Usher syndrome is a rare genetic condition affecting around 2,000 children and young people in the UK. Children are born deaf and later discover they will gradually lose their vision due to an eye condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). This often begins with night blindness, followed by a progressive loss of peripheral vision, eventually leading many adults to lose their sight completely.

For anyone, learning they are losing their vision is devastating. For someone who is deaf, it is particularly challenging, as they rely so heavily on their sight. Usher syndrome is the leading genetic cause of deaf-blindness, and currently, there is no cure.

Why Usher Kids UK matters

Usher Kids UK exists to make sure children and families affected by Usher syndrome never feel alone. They run three in-person family events each year, bringing together families from across the UK – from those newly diagnosed to those who have lived with Usher syndrome for many years. They also host monthly virtual sessions for parents, create vital information resources, and train around 800 professionals every year so children receive better understanding and support wherever they are.

The impact of these events is life-changing. Parents often describe overwhelming relief at meeting others who truly understand. Children regularly say these days are the highlight of their year – a rare chance to be with other children who are “just like them”.

Despite being the only dedicated source of support for children with Usher syndrome in the UK, and being referred to by clinicians in leading hospitals, Usher Kids UK receives no regular funding. A tiny team of two part-time staff and volunteers work tirelessly to raise funds and apply for grants. While they have already raised around half the money needed for this year’s events, they still need significant support to reach their total.

For more information about Usher Kids UK go to www.usherkidsuk.com

How you can help

This cause means so much to me, and I would love to raise as much money as possible to support the incredible work Usher Kids UK does.

My target is £3,000, and every single donation, big or small, will go directly towards funding these vital events and support services for children and families living with Usher syndrome.

If you donated last year, thank you so much. Your support truly makes a difference. If you’re able to donate again, or for the first time, I would be incredibly grateful.

Thank you for supporting me through this challenge and for helping to change lives. I’ll be sharing more about Usher syndrome and my training in the weeks leading up to race day.

Roll on April 2026 💙