Hi everyone,

June 2025 marks the start of my 30’s, and as some as you may know, I set myself a challenge to visit 30 countries before I hit my milestone birthday!

I was lucky enough to achieve this with a few months (and a few countries!) to spare, so I’ve decided it’s time to set the next challenge…

I’ve recently taken up running, and as I don’t like to do things by halves (!), I’m really pleased to have been given a place to run the London Marathon in April 2026 on behalf of the NSPCC.

I cycled the length of Great Britain in 2019 fundraising for Great Ormond Street Hospital, so it’s now time to support another amazing children’s charity by going straight in there and ticking off the bucket list item that is the London marathon!

The NSPCC is the leading children’s charity, fighting to end child abuse in the UK. The charity helps children who have been abused to rebuild their lives, protect those at risk and find the best ways of preventing abuse from ever happening.

A child in the UK calls Childline every 45 seconds, with each call costing £4. I’m hoping to raise £2,200 by running the marathon, which will pay for trained counsellors to answer 550 calls from children who need urgent support.

Over the next 11 months on the lead up to the marathon, I’ll be completing a number of fundraising missions, and I’d really appreciate the support of friends and family to help achieve my target.

My first challenge will be on the 24th June - the day of my 30th birthday - as I take on the UK 3-peaks challenge. Along with my sister Holly, I’ll be climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within 24 hours, which will be a very good starting point for the marathon training!

To help celebrate my 30th and in lieu of any traditional birthday celebrations, I’d be very grateful if you could please spare a few pounds to donate towards my marathon fundraiser instead.

Knowing that turning 30 has a positive impact by being able to fundraise for the NSPCC will make it feel slightly easier for me….!!

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate it 😊

Owen

PS – Any suggestions that I shave my beard off in order to fundraise will *not* be entertained 😉!