Dear Family and Friends,

I write to you with very exciting news: I am running the London Marathon on 26th April, 2026 and raising funds for Leukaemia UK.

As you all will know, running has been a big part of my life for over a decade. While I have tackled a number of races and distances, on roads and trails, in the UK and abroad, I have never taken on the challenge of a marathon until now.

This marathon is special to me not just because it's my first one, and not just because it's the London Marathon (every runner's dream is to run their hometown Major), but because I am raising money for an incredibly important cause: Leukaemia UK, which funds groundbreaking research, supports those living with blood cancer, and works towards kinder, more effective treatments.

Some of you will know, and more of you may know of, our dear family friend Jini; a close friend of my Mom, and honorary aunt to James and I. My mom and Jini met in the queue to buy school uniforms in 1997. They got to chatting, found out they both had sons named James, and have been inseparable ever since.

Last summer, Jini was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) which is an aggressive, fast-developing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Her treatment has been incredibly intensive, with months of in-patient treatments. Throughout it all, Jini has kept so strong, so resilient, and full of the fiery spirit for which she is renowned.

Following her diagnosis last year, I applied for a charity fundraising place with all of the Leukaemia and blood cancer charities across the UK. Due to the usual high demand of runners seeking places, I was waitlisted at all of the organisations I applied to.

Earlier this week, I received a call that I had been awarded a place off the waitlist, which means I have just shy of 8 weeks to get into marathon-ready shape, and to meet Leukaemia UK's fundraising target of £2,700.

Any support towards my fundraising goal, either through a donation or sharing my fundraising page, is greatly appreciated.