A few years ago, I ran my first marathon in New York City. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. The atmosphere, the crowds and the feeling of crossing that finish line is something I will never forget. But when it was all over, something stayed with me. I saw so many runners raising money for causes close to their hearts and it genuinely moved me. It made me realise that running for yourself is powerful, but running for something bigger than yourself is even more meaningful.

From that moment, I knew that the next time I stood on a start line, it had to be for a reason greater than a finishing time.

Able Child works with local partners across East and Southern Africa to improve the lives of children and young people with disabilities (visible or invisible). They focus on ensuring children are safe, included, educated and supported within their communities. For millions of children, these are not guarantees. They are privileges that are often denied.

Across Africa, children living with disabilities are significantly more likely to experience violence, exclusion and neglect. Many never attend school. Some are hidden away because of stigma. Many grow up without access to proper healthcare, rehabilitation or the opportunity to develop their potential. Imagine being a child with dreams, energy and ambition, but being told by society that you do not matter in the same way as others.

That reality should never be accepted. At the beginning of February, I travelled to Kenya. As a runner, I have always been fascinated by how Kenyan athletes dominate long distance running. I wanted to live like them, train like them and understand the mindset that makes them so strong. What I did not expect was how deeply I would be affected by the people I met and the conversations I had.

In Iten, I met a runner called Vincent.

As a young boy, Vincent dreamed of becoming an Olympic champion for Kenya. He won races at every opportunity and was one of the most promising talents in his area. Then, as a teenager, he was hit by a drunk driver. The accident left him unable to walk for many, many years.

Most people would have accepted that their dream was over. Vincent refused to.

He fought his way back into running and returned stronger, switching his focus to half marathons and running with a disability that would stick with him forever. His talent and story caught the attention of international scouts and he was offered a full scholarship to study engineering in Germany. His future seemed brighter than ever. However, his father feared racism and the risks of sending his son abroad alone. Out of respect, Vincent turned the offer down.

Today, Vincent is a respected barber in Iten. He still runs competitively and has a half marathon time of 64 minutes. He trains alongside some of the fastest athletes in the world and helps pace elite runners who come to train at altitude. More importantly, he now invests his time into mentoring young athletes in his community so that the next generation can go even further.

His story reminded me that talent alone is not enough. Opportunity, safety and support change lives.

That is exactly why Able Child’s work matters so much. They work to break down the barriers that prevent children with disabilities from accessing education, healthcare and protection. They help communities challenge stigma. They support inclusive schooling so children are not left behind. They ensure that children who are often overlooked are seen, heard and valued.

No child should be at a disadvantage because of where they were born or because they live with a disability.

So this year, I am running the London Marathon for Able Child.

And I am not just turning up to complete it. Inspired by the East African mindset of running for speed and excellence, I am aiming for a sub 2 hours 50 minutes finish. In East Africa, they do not just run to finish, they run to compete, to push limits and to honour the sport. After training alongside them, it only feels right that I push myself in the same way and chase that time with everything I have.

Every mile I run will carry the stories of the people I met and the children whose futures can be transformed with the right support.

Running 26.2 miles in under 2 hours 50 minutes will be one of the toughest physical challenges I have set myself. But it is nothing compared to the daily challenges faced by children who simply want the chance to learn, to feel safe and to dream without barriers.

If you can, please support my fundraising for Able Child. Every donation, no matter the size, helps create real change. It helps give children access to education, healthcare and the opportunity to build a future full of possibility.

Let's not just run for medals or times.

Let's run for futures.

Thank you for your support.

Taseen