Venice was Russell Norman's spiritual home. It consumed every element of his life, was the place he was happiest, and tragically was the place he was supposed to be on the day that he passed away. To say that Russell loved Venice would be an understatement, he lived and breathed the city, forever curious about its millennia of secrets. And he shared that knowledge with so many, whose vision of Venice has in turn been shaped by Russell's perception of Venice.

Russell ran the Venice Marathon three times. As he put it, there is not greater city in which to finish such a gruelling physical challenge than one that appears like a floating mirage in the final few miles. Back in October 2023, he did not participate but instead stood at the finish line, waiting for me to cross the line. I will never forget the smile on his face as I crossed the final bridge.

And so, it felt fitting to run the Venice Marathon 2024 in Russell's memory. I have chosen to support a charity that was very close to Russell's heart: Action Against Hunger. He used to support this charity in every way he could, and so to bring together Venice and Action Against Hunger in the least I can do for his memory.

Please do donate generously. And raise a negroni for Russell when you do so.

Thank you x