I’m running the London Marathon 2026 to raise money for Spinal Research!

As some of you may or may not know, when my dad was 19, he fell off a roof and seriously damaged his spine in several places. He had a big future ahead of him in football, he was talented, passionate and everything going for him, but everything changed for him after his accident. He’s been in a wheelchair ever since and has lived with the effects every day since then and unfortunately, will never recover.

Now that I’m 19 myself, I understand just how young that really is and how much he lost at such an early age. Growing up with a parent who lives with a spinal cord injury has shown me just how much it can affect someone’s life. Simple, everyday things most people don’t even think about like walking, getting dressed, or going upstairs can become impossible. I’ve seen the physical and mental impact it’s had on him. My dad’s always done his best to stay strong for our family, but I know how much he's had to deal with behind the scenes.

That’s why I want to do this marathon. Not just for him, but for the 100,000+ people in the UK living with a spinal cord injury. Spinal Research is the only UK charity focused on finding ways to repair the spinal cord — but they don’t get any government funding. Everything they do depends on donations.

I want to raise money, raise awareness, and show support for something that’s affected my family for as long as I can remember, to honour my dad’s story, and to show support for a cause that’s deeply personal. I want to make him proud and carry his journey with me.

If you can donate, no matter how big or small you will help fund crucial research to those struggling with spinal cord injuries.

Many thanks to everyone for the support.

Fred x