On 12 April 2026 I’ll be running the Brighton Marathon, followed just one week later by the Manchester Marathon. These events will be my first ever marathon(s).

I’m taking on both races in parallel as a personal challenge for myself, as well as in memory of our much loved and much missed friend and colleague, Chris Milner.

Chris was our Chief Solutions Architect at Health Data Research UK and loved bringing people together, supporting those around him, and encouraging others to learn and grow.

Running both marathons feels like a meaningful tribute: Brighton is home for me, and Manchester was a city Chris loved.

At his funeral, Chris’ family chose Ignite Hubs as the charity for donations, a choice that perfectly reflected his values and the impact he had in the world. With the support and blessing of Chris' family, I would like to continue this legacy by raising money for the charity as part of this challenge.

Ignite Hubs is an award-winning education charity that inspires children and young people to explore careers in technology, STEM and the creative industries. They focus particularly on girls and young people from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds, helping them develop the skills, confidence and connections to pursue opportunities they might never have imagined.

If you’re able to donate or share this page, it would mean a great deal. You will be helping to support Ignite Hubs’ work with young people across the UK.

Thank you so much for your support.

Ruth

Photos.

1. Friend and colleague, Chris Milner

2. Ignite Hubs in action

3. Running past Brighton Pavilion during the half marathon

4. Closing in on the finish line of the Cambridge half

5. Road signs are out...