Jon and Ria are running London Marathon together in 2025!!

Now this is a major big deal, for a number of reasons.

1- Can you believe it…..but Ria actually got a place in the ballot. Even though she has applied a number of times, she never believed she would get selected from the ballot. With 840’000 names in the ballot this year, there was virtually a zero chance of getting pulled out……but guess what…..Ria did! However, she is extremely nervous and worried about this event, so much so….she hasn’t actually told anyone she has got a place! She will need all your support and help and encouragement over the next 9 months to get her body and mind ready for this (her back is still currently causing problems!).

2- Jon has been applying for the ballot for 13 years straight and has never got selected. He desperately wants to run London, but with the ever increasing numbers, it is virtually impossible to get a ballot place (except for Ria!)….but as Ria has got a place, Jon took the plunge and contacted Martlets to see if they had a charity place he could accept, to raise money for the Hospice and to be able to run this life changing event with Ria.

3- Why the Martlets?

It is a local charity providing essential care to people affected by terminal illness in Brighton and Hove, and surrounding areas, helping patients and their loved ones to live life to the full during the precious time they have left. Martlets care is free thanks to the support of local people, businesses, and trusts….but they rely on the community to fund most of our vital services.

4- Why fund our local Hospice?

Back in 2012 it was a very big year for Ria and Jon. They got married…but before this, they ran Brighton marathon in the memory of Mike Binney (Jon’s Dad). When Mike was alive they both promised to run Brighton marathon and raise money for the hospice that Mike spent his last few months in. Anyone that has spent time in a hospice, will know what a wonderful place they are and what wonderful work they do. Mike Binney loved his last few months in his local hospice and they offered such joy and pleasure at such a desperately sad time. Following his death, they supported Jon and his family so much, making Mikes passing as bearable as it could be.

5- Jon and Ria have done some crazy running events over the past 10 years and have also supported the local running communities enormously in the past decade, from coaching, training, PT to helping set up local parkruns. They have never felt comfortable asking friends to help raise money during this time, but with such an enormous event such as London marathon and with the option of running it together, now seems an appropriate time to ask for help.

So can you help them both realise this amazing dream and epic achievement? Any amount will help, and they thank you all from the bottom of their hearts.

#forMikeBinney