Two busy mums. Two demanding jobs. One very big challenge.

We are running the London Marathon... and with only 9 weeks to go, we need all the help we can get and a reminder of why we are putting ourselves through this.

Every mile we run is about giving young people opportunities they might never otherwise have

This year, we’re running the London Marathon to raise money for Operation Reach:

A charity that works to change life chances for young people who have the ability to succeed but often lack access to the experiences, confidence and support that help open doors. Kiki is also a trustee of the charity, making this cause especially close to our hearts.

Operation Reach supports high attaining students from less well off backgrounds by giving them something many of us take for granted: life changing experience beyond the classroom. Through overseas expeditions, young people are challenged physically and mentally in completely new environments, building resilience, confidence and ambition. Crucially, the support doesn’t stop when they return home — each student is then matched with a mentor for up to 18 months, helping them navigate university applications, work experience and future career choices.

We’re taking on 26.2 miles knowing how tough the journey will be — but it’s nothing compared to the impact this charity has on the young people it supports. Every donation helps fund opportunities that can genuinely change the direction of someone’s life.

Kiki’s story

I’ve run two marathons before — but that was more than 15 years ago, and I’m very aware that this time feels completely different - I'd go as far as saying I hated running ever since. Although I'm learning to love it again, doing it now with three young children and a full time job, fitting in the training around everyday life has been a real challenge.

Outside of work, and especially at this time of year I'd much rather be on the slopes with a glass of rose than pounding the pavements. With dodgy knees and now nursing a calf injury, it's safe to say signing up for another 26.2 miles has pushed me well outside my comfort zone.

What makes this marathon truly special is that I’m running for Operation Reach, a charity I care deeply about and am proud to support as a trustee. I’ve seen first hand the impact the charity has on young people’s confidence, ambition and future opportunities, and that’s what keeps me motivated through the tougher training days.

Thank you so much for any support you can give — every donation helps Operation Reach continue its incredible work and means more to us than you know.

Liz’s story

I’ve never run a marathon before — in fact, the last time I ran anything close was a half marathon over 15 years ago. Since then, life has got busy with three young children and a full time job, so fitting in the training has been a challenge in itself.

I’ve always loved sport, but this feels like a completely different level. When I’m not running, I’m usually listening to music or DJing in my spare time, so swapping decks for long runs has been a bit of a shock!

If I’m being honest, I’m scared. Running 26.2 miles feels huge, and there are definitely moments when I worry my body might fall apart along the way. But that fear is also what’s pushing me to keep going. Knowing I’m doing this to raise money for such an important cause makes every tough training session worth it.

Any support, no matter how small, would mean so much — thank you for helping me get to the start line (and hopefully the finish).

Thank you so much for supporting us and for helping Operation Reach continue its incredible work.