Running the London Marathon for Samaritans – A Change of Plan
Earlier this year, I signed up to run the London Marathon in April in support of Samaritans, a charity that provides life-saving emotional support to anyone who needs someone to listen.
Taking on the London Marathon has always been a personal challenge I wanted to face — not just for the miles themselves, but for what they represent: resilience, determination, and showing up even when things feel tough. Running for Samaritans makes that challenge even more meaningful. Every day, they answer calls from people who are struggling, offering compassion and understanding at some of life’s darkest moments. It’s an extraordinary service, powered largely by volunteers, and one that has touched countless lives.
Unfortunately, life has thrown in an unexpected hurdle.
In January 2026, I had Covid, and although I recovered from the initial infection, I’ve been left with mild long Covid symptoms. While I’m improving, it’s become clear that pushing myself to marathon level training this year wouldn’t be the right decision for my health or recovery.
After careful thought, I’ve made the decision to defer my place in the London Marathon to 2027.
Of course, this is disappointing. I was looking forward to lining up at the start in April, representing Samaritans and everyone who has supported me. But recovery has to come first, and I want to make sure that when I do stand on that start line, I can give it everything I’ve got.
The goal hasn’t changed — just the timeline.
Over the next year, I’ll be focusing on rebuilding my fitness gradually and sensibly. I’m still fully committed to raising awareness and funds for Samaritans, and I’ll be sharing updates along the way as I work towards 2027.
If you’d like to support Samaritans in the meantime, please visit my fund raising page here, learn more about their work, or consider making a donation. The demand for mental health support has never been greater, and every contribution helps them continue to be there for people who need them most.
Thank you so much for your encouragement, understanding and support so far. I’ll see you on the start line in 2027.