TCS London Marathon – 26th April 2026

On 26th April 2026, I will be taking on the greatest physical challenge of my life: running the TCS London Marathon. This isn’t just a personal goal or a long-held dream - it’s a run filled with purpose, love and remembrance, as I raise vital funds for Rainbows Hospice, a charity that means more to me and my family than I could ever put into words.

In September 2022, my world changed forever with the loss of my beautiful son, Ellis, at just 14 years of age. The pain of losing a child is indescribable and something no parent should ever have to endure. During the darkest days of our lives, when we were broken and struggling to survive one moment at a time, Rainbows Hospice were there. They picked us up from the floor, wrapped us in care and supported us with compassion, love and understanding - asking for nothing in return. Without them, I honestly do not know how we would have got through those first weeks and months, and over three years on, they continue to support my family.

Following the loss of Ellis, I faced immense mental and emotional challenges. In April 2025, searching for a way to cope and rebuild, I decided to try exercise and running as a natural way to support my mental wellbeing - despite never believing it would make much difference. I could not have been more wrong. After just a few weeks, the effects were eye-opening. Running began to help me manage day-to-day life, giving me moments of clarity, strength and peace when I needed them most.

To keep myself motivated, I knew I needed something to work towards - a challenge. For years, the London Marathon had quietly sat on my bucket list. I had entered the ballot most years with the mindset that I would “cross that bridge” if I was ever lucky enough to get in. When another rejection came, it felt different this time because I was finally ready to commit to the training. With charity places available, there was only ever one charity I would run for: Rainbows.

In July 2025, I received the incredible news that I had been awarded a Golden Bond place through Rainbows Hospice for the 2026 London Marathon. To say I was over the moon would be an understatement. I began training immediately, knowing just how much work lay ahead to prepare for 26.2 miles.

As an initial milestone, I trained for the Leicester Half Marathon on 26th October 2025. After three months of dedication, I crossed the finish line in 1 hour 47 minutes 51 seconds - a huge personal achievement, but also a reminder that the journey was only halfway complete. Training has continued and on 5th January 2026, I began the gruelling 16-week marathon training plan in the final push toward the big day.

I understand how difficult it can be to choose where to donate, especially with so many incredible charities doing amazing work. But for those who know me, you will understand what Rainbows Hospice means to me and my family. They supported us through the worst time of our lives with kindness, dignity and love - and they continue to do so today.

I will never be able to fully repay Rainbows for everything they have done for us. But if I can give something back by turning pain into purpose, by using a tool that has helped me heal, and by running with my son Ellis by my side every step of the way, then every second of pain on the streets of London will be worth it.

I have set an ambitious target of £7,000 in my fundraising quest and again, for those that know me, will understand the importance of the number 7 to me. The day Ellis was born, the year he was born and even the time he was born! The target just had to be £7,000 💛

Rainbows offer families with children facing life-limiting or life-threatening conditions such a wide range of support; simply put they are here to brighten short lives and support families wherever they are. If my challenge can help Rainbows to achieve their mission, then it will be one of the greatest achievements of my life.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, supporting, sharing and donating 💛