Matthew and Rosie have been working for United Response in the borough of Richmond for a combined total of 15 years.

During this time, they have supported numerous adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs, by promoting their independence and engaging with the community to improve their wellbeing.

In 2025 Rosie and I attended the Marathon to cheer on the United Response runners.

We started our day on Tower Bridge where we handed out wine gums and cheered people on.

The determination in the runners eyes was infectious and showed the enormous effort the running’s had put in for this amazing feat of human endurance.

After Tower Bridge we visited the river side and travelled to the finish line. At the finish line we saw a number of United Response representatives and Richmond Community Supports very own James Williams.

The sense of achievement each runner felt could be seen as they met with family with a shinny medal around their neck.

As we were heading home that day Rosie and I knew that next year we would do the Marathon.

When we arrived back into the office on Monday we emailed our fundraising team and were told our names would be put on to a short list.

Personally, I thought that would be the end of it. I have never run in my life so to do a Marathon was off the cards.

Then the day come when Rosie and I were approached by Carly and Maxine who said that we had secured a place in 2026.

That was the day our Marathon training started. That was over 2 months ago now and let me tell you the first 5k training sessions were horrendous.

We have managed to push this to 10k and have both brought running trainers which has helped. We have planned a fun run on 7th December in Windsor but will keep you all updated on this.

To all our wonderful friends, family, and supporters — thank you for being part of our journey! Any donation, big or small, is deeply appreciated and helps us make every mile count.

We hope to see you at the finish line!

Fundraising for United Response is essential because it helps provide the people we support with the little extras in life that make all the difference. By supporting United Response, you are helping to make real choices for yourself and others. Your contributions enable United Response to offer a better quality of life for those we support, providing them with the support they need to live independently and meaningfully in the community. Your fundraising efforts are a testament to your commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals.