On Sunday 26th April 2026, I’m taking on the 2026 TCS London Marathon as part of Team MediCinema to help bring the power of cinema to NHS patients in hospitals across the UK.

Craig is running the London Marathon 2026 for MediCinema!

Why you may ask?!

In 2010, I was admitted to hospital with something called Aplastic Anemia. Not the same as Leukemia but the treatment followed a similar path, intense chemotherapy and then a bone marrow transplant from my sibling. During my stay, across 4 months in Northampton and Leicester; I was in isolation to reduce the risk of infection and really felt alone. The only thing I had to distract me was watching films! I watched a lot of films; great ones, good ones, bad ones, ones that were so bad they were good! This continued on once I was allowed home, as for the first year I had to be isolated at home as well. It was all this film watching that prompted me to get an Unlimited card once I was finally allowed back out into the world unrestricted and then ultimately get a job at Cineworld Northampton!

Once I left the hospital, my outlook on life was altered. The cliche near death, life changing experience happened to me (It is a cliche for a reason!), I wanted to set myself goals and change course for a healthier lifestyle. I watched the London Marathon happen in 2011 from home and then signed up to it for 2012, to give me a reason to exercise and a goal to achieve. I eagerly awaited my confirmation in October of that year... only to be disappointed with a rejection letter. "Well I'll try again next year", I said. I did this for 2013, 2014, 2015, 16, 17, 18 and so on, you get the idea. All being rejections. Until MediCinema gave me the chance to be part of their team for the 2026 Marathon! Nearly 15 years of rejection later, I am finally in a position to complete this life goal.

This is where my fundraiser comes in. My task is to raise £2000 for MediCinema, an incredible charity that literally brings our passion to hospitals, their patients and families alike. They offer this distraction, this escapism, this joy; from whatever reality a patient is in. The big screen, the latest features brought to the patient in a safe and controlled environment. It is a charity that is the embodiment of our mission statement and values.

I wish I had access to something like this during my 4 month stay in isolation. Instead I had to watch films on a tiny 24" monitor from across the room. Please consider donating and sharing to help me reach my goal & beyond.

I have also linked my Strava profile incase you are more interested in my training and want to see how I get on!

https://strava.app.link/sHNnmzvPW0b

MediCinema builds and runs fully-equipped cinemas in hospitals, offering patients — and their families — a vital escape from the wards.

These screenings reduce stress, ease anxiety, and boost mental health.

Patients and families say:

93% agree that MediCinema experience reduces stress and anxiety.

94% agree the MediCinema experience helps people feel less isolated.

91% of attendees agree that MediCinema helps patients to cope, and supports their mental health.

They’re completely free for patients and come at no cost to the NHS, but with no government funding, MediCinema relies entirely on donations.

Please support me if you can — your donation will help patients #FeelBetterWithFilm and bring comfort when it's needed most.