My name is Tim Woodall and I'm delighted - and a bit nervous - to be running the London Marathon (my first, at 40 years old) to raise money for Bromley Youth Music Trust (BYMT).

BYMT has been a huge part of my life, from age 4 onwards. I grew-up through the system, playing in orchestras and making friends for life. The absolute highlight of my teenage years were BYCO tours to Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Austria and Spain.

I started out on the violin and took up the viola when I was 12. After BYMT I went on to study music at university and have spent most of my career working in the music world.

My daughter is now in Saturday Strings so I'm now seeing BYMT from a new angle, as a parent. I want her to have the same experiences I did playing in orchestras and small ensembles, and making friends. I'm an absolute believer in the power of music to make a transformative difference in young people's lives and I wanted to take on this challenge (I'm no athlete) to give something back to BYMT in a small way.

I'm running the 2026 London marathon in loving memory of my Dad, Nicholas Woodall, Head of Strings at BYMT, 1989-2001.

About BYMT

Bromley Youth Music Trust (BYMT) has been providing its music services to the children and young adults in Bromley for almost half a century. We want to make sure EVERY child has the opportunity to play a musical instrument or sing in a choir, because we know MUSIC CHANGES LIVES. Now, more than ever before, the benefits of music are essential for the future wellbeing of our young people. Children from low income families are half as likely to learn an instrument, according to recent research. Over 40% of those low income families say music lessons are beyond their household budgets. At BYMT we believe ALL children should have access to music lessons in schools, regardless of their background or affordability. BYMT's Young Musicians' Bursary (YMB), provides financial support to those students who wouldn't otherwise be able to take part, giving access to music lessons, instrument hire and membership of bands, orchestras and choirs and the opportunity for life-enhancing experiences.