RunHunchmanRun 2026 is a double marathon taking place on 8th and 9th August 2026, running from Reeds Club Weybridge through to Craven Cottage in Fulham (8th Aug) and doing the return route on Sunday, 9th August. Having never run 10k prior signing up in January this year, it should be an interesting challenge.

The reasons I am running:

- To raise money for the The Hunchman Trust, a charity run by friends which supports people grieving a loved one, particularly those affected by suicide loss. Founded in memory of ‘Hunch,’ we fundraise, provide grants, and build partnerships to ensure no one faces grief alone. Together, we create community, offer support, and empower healing.

- To also raise money for Meningitis Research Foundation ("MRF"). MRF is a charity focused on protecting lives, supporting people and defeating meningitis through research and awareness.

For those unaware, Meningitis is the swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord (the meninges) and is usually caused by a bacterial, fungal or viral infection. It can be life-threatening.

Every year, there are around 2.3 million cases of bacterial and viral meningitis around the world. 1 in 10 people who get meningitis will die.

Meningitis can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time.

October 12th

We had a concerning phone call with Dad, so much so that following which we decided to fly out to see him and how he was.

24 hours after arrival, Dad went from being the fit, sharp-minded, funny man that we all knew him as to delirious.

Not knowing the root cause we called the ambulance.

9 and a half hours sat in A&E later, they decided that the cause to Dad’s state could be Meningitis.

Arriving back at the hospital the following morning we found out they had induced Dad into a coma, and the initial prognosis of meningitis was correct.

Due to the severity of the disease and how it effects the brain, the coma was implemented to reduce the circulation of blood to the brain, to hopefully give him the best chance at beating the disease.

Unfortunately, however, after around 4 months of fighting, Dad passed away.

Now understanding meningitis better, I appreciate the importance in recognising the early signs of the disease.

Not a day goes by where I don’t think that if we’d have known and realised earlier, we could have taken better steps to prevent his death.

HERE's to Nige. HERE's to Dad.

HERE's to supporting each other, to talking through good times and bad.

HERE's to fighting back against meningitis and beating it once and for all.

THANK YOU for taking the time to read this and for anyone who donates, THANK YOU a million times over! Anything and everything helps the causes and it is all greatly greatly appreciated!

More information on the charities can be found below.

Hunchman Trust: https://hunchmantrust.co.uk/

Meningitis Research Foundation: https://www.meningitis.org/