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My London Marathon fundraiser for Able Child

James Shirley is raising money for Able Child

London Marathon 2026 · 26 April 2026 · Start fundraising for this event

Runners representing Able Child for the London Marathon will help us keep working to protect, educate and amplify the voices of children and youth with disabilities in Africa, so they are able to thrive.

Story

Able Child works towards a world where no child with a disability is left behind.

They support a network of African organisations that protect, educate and amplify the voices of children and young people with disabilities, breaking down the barriers that stop them from thriving.

I first discovered Able Child when my friend Nik started working there. Hearing his first-hand stories from across Africa inspired me to get involved, initially through events and donations, and now by taking on the challenge of running the London Marathon in support of the charity.

The challenge of the marathon pales in comparison to the daily challenges faced by the children Able Child supports. To keep myself accountable, I’m following a strict training plan with the goal of finishing in under 3 hours 30 minutes.

Able Child supports children like Patuma.

Growing up in Malawi, Patuma couldn’t walk unaided due to a spinal condition and lacked access to inclusive education and mobility support. Through Able Child’s work with a local partner, she was identified, enrolled in an Early Childhood Education centre, supported by caregivers trained in physiotherapy, and provided with a wheelchair. Now able to learn and play alongside her peers, Patuma is thriving.

Able Child wants to support more children like Patuma and they need your help.

Donation summary

Total
£2,187.00
+ £495.75 Gift Aid
Online
£2,187.00
Offline
£0.00

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