I’m running the Chelmsford Marathon 2026 to raise funds for dyslexia awareness and to support Made By Dyslexia.

I am dyslexic. Growing up, it came with challenges — frustration, slower reading, and often feeling underestimated. But over time, I’ve come to understand that dyslexia isn’t a weakness. It’s a different way of thinking.

Today I work in engineering and technology, in a world increasingly shaped by AI and problem-solving. The very traits that once made school harder — big-picture thinking, creativity, resilience and pattern recognition — are now strengths.

That’s why this matters to me.

Made By Dyslexia works to train teachers and workplaces to recognise and empower Dyslexic Thinking, helping young people avoid the self-doubt that many of us experienced.

Running a marathon requires discipline, endurance and mental resilience — qualities that mirror the dyslexic journey. This will be the first of what I intend to make an annual endurance fundraising commitment.

All funds raised here go directly to the charity.

If you believe dyslexic minds deserve recognition and support, I would greatly appreciate your donation.

Thank you.

— Finnbarr