In 2026, I’ll be running the London Marathon in memory of 9-month-old Oliver Steeper, who tragically passed away after choking at nursery. I’m raising funds for The Oliver Steeper Foundation, which provides life-saving anti-choking devices (LifeVac) to childcare settings across the UK. Every donation helps prevent another family from experiencing the heartbreak Oliver’s family endured - please support me and join me in taking Every Step for Oliver.

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Hello! My name is Billie, I’m a mum to two little boys, aged 3 and 1, and I’ll be running the London Marathon in April 2026 in support of The Oliver Steeper Foundation.

In September 2021, 9-month-old Oliver Steeper choked on pasta whilst at his nursery in Ashford and tragically passed away.

When I first read Oli’s story, I had not long become a mum to my first child, and my heart broke for his parents, Lewis and Zoe. I learned that they had set up The Oliver Steeper Foundation to help prevent any other family from experiencing such a loss.

The Foundation aims to provide an anti-choking medical device called LifeVac to all registered early years childcare settings. So far, they have distributed over 1000 LifeVac devices across the UK.

After my first was born, I completed a paediatric first aid course so I’d know what to do if the worst happened but choking was always the fear that stayed with me. After reading Oliver’s story, I bought two LifeVac devices: one for home and one for the car.

When the time came for my son to start nursery, it was hugely important to me that the setting had a LifeVac. I reached out to Lewis for advice, and he was so generous with his time and help. I was blown away by his kindness and willingness to support a complete stranger in finding a nursery where my child would be as safe as possible.

Since then, I’ve wanted to do something meaningful to support The Oliver Steeper Foundation. When they announced they had a charity place in the 2026 London Marathon, I knew this was my opportunity to show my gratitude - even though I’d barely scraped a 5k before!

No parent should ever have to go through what Oli’s parents did. Please donate to save a child’s life where first aid has failed or cannot be performed. Every donation made will help The Oliver Steeper Foundation provide more LifeVac devices where they are needed most to keep our children safe.

Thank you so much for reading my story. I’m very nervous but also extremely hopeful, and, above all, deeply honoured to be running the London Marathon 2026 in memory of Oliver Steeper.

Every Step For Oliver x