On 26th April 2026, I’ll be running the London Marathon — my very first marathon! — to raise funds for parkrun Global, an organisation that has been a huge part of my life.

About parkrun Global:

parkrun is a free, weekly, community event where people can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. They’re open to everyone and take place all around the world. With the simple aim of making the world healthier and happier, parkrun is about participation, not competition.

That’s why I’m running 42K so more people can walk, jog, or run 5K.

Why parkrun matters to me

parkrun has kept me active since 2016 — even at times when exercise wasn’t exactly top of my priority list. I love the community, the encouragement, and yes… the stats! For me, it’s all about the personal milestones:

• 50 parkruns by 40 ✅

• 250 by 50 (still chasing this one, 140 and counting… I’ve got some time!)

• Collecting the parkrun alphabet (I can’t wait to head to Holland for “Z”!)

• Becoming an Albateer (all the Scottish parkruns) — I’ve already made it to Shetland for the UK’s most northerly event, a great springboard for the rest!

A family affair

parkrun has been a huge motivator for my whole family:

• My mum, aged 78, recently completed her 50th parkrun. She jogs/walks almost every week, always with a smile (and the occasional breather while chatting to volunteers). I am unbelievably proud of her — she never thought she’d go back to running, and now she’s an inspiration to us all.

• My young nephew, age 5, has already ticked off his 2nd “adult” parkrun to go along with 35 juniors.

• My 8-year-old nephew is now faster than me (and not shy about reminding me).

• My 14-year-old nephew is vying for “family champion” status, trying to steal the crown from his extremely fast brother (pb 16m41s!!)

• My youngest son set and met his target to earn his 25 T-shirt last year.

• My brother has clocked up more than 350 parkruns.

• My middle son hit 100 junior parkruns.

• My eldest son once pushed me hard to my PB when he still had to stay within arm’s reach of me (nightmare, as many parkrun parents will know!).

• My brother-in-law is chasing as many different locations as possible and is also a junior run director (we are so grateful to these volunteers!).

• My sister-in-law, the true silent runner, has quietly completed over 180 parkruns without drawing any attention to the fact

• Even my in-laws join in on holiday parkruns (whether they like it or not!).

Hazlehead, my local parkrun, has been leading the way with parkwalking, showing how inclusive parkrun truly is — it’s amazing to see people of all ages and stages getting out there on a Saturday morning. Whilst marshalling recently I loved seeing the true diversity of the people running/walking/skipping/panting past me!

Why the marathon?

2026 isn’t just the year I’ll (hopefully!) cross the London Marathon finish line — it’s also my 10th parkrun anniversary, as I first signed up back in 2016. I’ve never run a marathon before — the furthest I’ve gone is 15 miles — and right now I’m recovering from an injury that will keep me sidelined for a few weeks.

But I am absolutely delighted to take on this challenge for parkrun — which has been such a force for good in my life, for my family, and for our community. Two years ago, I somehow became a “runner", as well as a parkrunner, and it has done wonders for my self-esteem, my health, and particularly my mental health.

I’m really looking forward to embracing this (significant!) challenge — and it’s given me a concrete reason to follow the physio advice and get properly fixed, because there is no way I’m not making that start line!

Why fundraising matters

Many people don’t realise that parkrun is a charity. It’s free to take part, but it isn’t free to put on. parkrun relies on donations and partnerships to keep events going, support volunteers, develop new events, and expand to communities who don’t yet have access.

parkrun has even been recognised by the NHS, who now “prescribe” parkrun as part of social prescribing for health and wellbeing. That’s because it isn’t just about running — it’s about tackling isolation, boosting mental health, and helping people of all ages and abilities get moving in a safe, supportive environment.

By supporting my marathon, you’ll be helping parkrun Global continue to grow — so that more people, all over the world, can experience the joy of walking, jogging, running, or volunteering on a Saturday morning.

Please support me

If you can, please support me in this journey by donating. Every contribution helps parkrun Global continue their incredible mission to make the world a healthier, happier place. As an addded incentive... bp will match all donations.

Thank you! 💚