Running the London Marathon at 40: A Final Challenge for a Worthy Cause

As I approach my 40th birthday in January, I find myself reflecting on the milestones and challenges that have shaped my life. The big four-oh is often seen as a turning point, a moment to reassess goals, celebrate achievements, and maybe even set new ones. For me, it’s the year I’ve decided to take on what could be my most ambitious challenge yet: running the London Marathon in 2025.

This will likely be my last marathon, at least in the capacity that I’ve been able to run in the past. The decision hasn’t come lightly. Over the past few years, I’ve faced significant physical setbacks. Multiple surgeries on both my back and knee have taken their toll, and the road to recovery has been anything but smooth. Yet, despite the pain and the hurdles, I’ve had a wild idea—to run 26.2 miles through the streets of London, proving to myself that age and adversity can be met with determination and resilience.

The London Marathon is iconic, not just for its route through the heart of one of the world’s greatest cities, but for the stories of the people who run it. Every participant has a reason, a motivation that keeps them moving forward mile after mile. For me, that motivation is deeply personal. I’m running to raise funds for St Barnabas, a charity that is incredibly close to my heart.

St Barnabas provided invaluable end-of-life care to a loved one when my family needed it most. Their compassion, dedication, and support were a beacon of light during one of the darkest times of my life. I can never fully repay them for the kindness they showed, but I can try to give back in a way that honours their mission. By running this marathon, I hope to raise awareness and much-needed funds to ensure that they can continue to provide this crucial service to others in need.

Training for a marathon is daunting for anyone, but for someone with my medical history, it’s an even greater challenge. My training plan has to be carefully tailored to avoid re-injury, focusing on building strength and endurance while protecting my back and knee. It means more cross-training, more physio sessions, and a lot of mental preparation. I know that there will be days when the pain feels too much or when I question whether I can really do this. But on those days, I’ll remind myself why I’m doing it—for St Barnabas, for the memory of my loved one, and for the belief that even at 40, I can still push my limits.

This marathon isn’t just about crossing the finish line; it’s about the journey to get there. It’s about proving that setbacks don’t define us, that age is just a number, and that with the right mindset, we can achieve extraordinary things. I want to show that no matter what life throws at us—be it injuries, surgeries, or the challenges of getting older—we can still rise to the occasion.

I know that running the London Marathon at 40 will be one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But I also know that it will be one of the most rewarding. I’ll be running with the support of my family, friends, and everyone who has been part of my journey. And most importantly, I’ll be running for St Barnabas, to ensure that their incredible work continues to touch lives, just as it touched mine.

As I lace up my running shoes and start training, I carry with me the knowledge that this may be my last marathon in this capacity. But if it is, I can’t think of a better way to go out—running for a cause that means the world to me, in a city I love, marking a milestone year in the most memorable way possible.

Thank you to everyone who supports me, whether through donations, encouragement, or just following my journey. Together, we can make a difference, one step at a time. Here’s to 40, to new challenges, and to the road ahead. See you at the finish line.