Why I'm running the London Marathon

I've got into running over the past six months, mainly doing 5K parkruns and gradually building up to 10K runs.

So, obviously, the sensible next step was to sign up for the London Marathon...

I'll be running the London Marathon 2027 to raise money for Rays of Sunshine, a charity I first came across through my work at Clacton Pier.

Every year, we hold an event at the Pier for children supported by Rays of Sunshine, giving them and their families a chance to come along, enjoy the attractions, have some fun and hopefully make some really special memories together.

Having seen some of the work the charity does through the Pier, it felt like the perfect charity to support when I decided to take on the marathon.

Going from 5K parkruns and the occasional 10K to running 26.2 miles is going to be quite a jump. I'm expecting plenty of training, some very long runs and probably a few moments where I question exactly why I thought this was a good idea.

But if I can raise some money for a great charity along the way, it'll make all those miles worthwhile.

Rays of Sunshine supports seriously ill children aged 3–18 across the UK, granting magical wishes and providing ongoing support in hospitals and the community.

I've got a fundraising target of **£2,500**, which is a pretty big step up from anything I've raised before. So, whether it's £5, £10, or whatever you can spare, I'll genuinely appreciate every donation.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and for supporting Rays of Sunshine and me.