Starlight Children’s Foundation

Darren & Jake's page

Darren Hall & Jake Perks

Darren Hall & Jake Perks

My Story

We're running the London Marathon 2026 as part of Team Starlight!

Our Story: Why we are Running the London Marathon for Starlight Children’s Foundation

 

A few years ago, running was something neither of us imagined ourselves doing beyond a quick jog or the occasional fitness kick. Like many people, we started running as a way to improve our physical and mental health. We weren't chasing medals or personal bests—just some space to breathe, to clear our mind, and to do something positive for our own wellbeing. We took on a couple of small races as a way to run together and this is where our running journey began to evolve. The medal collections inevitably came with the races at this point and have since created a physical motivator from seeing them everyday as a reminder of the challenges we have already overcome. 

 

What began as a way to take better care of ourselves soon turned into something much more. We discovered a passion for running—one step at a time. With every mile, we grew stronger and more determined. We aren't the quickest at running, we don't claim to know the ins and outs of what makes a great runner, but we have completed a few 10Ks, and the furthest we have run so far is a half marathon. Crossing that finish line gave us a sense of achievement we've never known before. It made us believe that the impossible might just be within reach.

 

Now, we are taking on the ultimate challenge: the London Marathon.

 

But this isn’t just about us anymore. We want to run for something bigger than ourselves. That’s why we have chosen to support Starlight Children’s Foundation—a charity that brings joy, comfort, and distraction to seriously ill children across the UK.

 

Every child deserves the chance to play, to laugh, and to experience the magic of childhood—even when they’re facing some of the toughest moments of their lives. Starlight’s work providing hospital play services and opportunities helps lift spirits and brighten days in ways that truly matter.

 

Running 26.2 miles will be the hardest thing we have ever done, but we are doing it with purpose and heart. We are running for the kids who can’t. We are running to help bring moments of light into dark times. And we're running to prove that when we push past our limits—for ourselves and for others—we can do something extraordinary.

Thank you for supporting us, and thank you for supporting Starlight.

 

Darren & Jake

The healing power of play

At first glance, it’s easy to think that play happens when the important stuff is taken care of. But for children, play is central to the way they learn and cope with new challenges. ​

​That’s why Starlight are committed to making play matter so much, it becomes an intrinsic part of every child’s healthcare pathway. They want to create a world where it’s official policy that play is a prerequisite on every child’s medical treatment plan. ​

Starlight are there to help all decision-makers understand the importance of play, leading thinking on its potential for positive impact, with the science to back it up.

 

Starlight Children’s Foundation

Raising for:

Starlight Children’s Foundation
96%

Funded

  • Target
    £9,500
  • Raised so far
    £9,140
  • Number of donors
    106

My Story

We're running the London Marathon 2026 as part of Team Starlight!

Our Story: Why we are Running the London Marathon for Starlight Children’s Foundation

 

A few years ago, running was something neither of us imagined ourselves doing beyond a quick jog or the occasional fitness kick. Like many people, we started running as a way to improve our physical and mental health. We weren't chasing medals or personal bests—just some space to breathe, to clear our mind, and to do something positive for our own wellbeing. We took on a couple of small races as a way to run together and this is where our running journey began to evolve. The medal collections inevitably came with the races at this point and have since created a physical motivator from seeing them everyday as a reminder of the challenges we have already overcome. 

 

What began as a way to take better care of ourselves soon turned into something much more. We discovered a passion for running—one step at a time. With every mile, we grew stronger and more determined. We aren't the quickest at running, we don't claim to know the ins and outs of what makes a great runner, but we have completed a few 10Ks, and the furthest we have run so far is a half marathon. Crossing that finish line gave us a sense of achievement we've never known before. It made us believe that the impossible might just be within reach.

 

Now, we are taking on the ultimate challenge: the London Marathon.

 

But this isn’t just about us anymore. We want to run for something bigger than ourselves. That’s why we have chosen to support Starlight Children’s Foundation—a charity that brings joy, comfort, and distraction to seriously ill children across the UK.

 

Every child deserves the chance to play, to laugh, and to experience the magic of childhood—even when they’re facing some of the toughest moments of their lives. Starlight’s work providing hospital play services and opportunities helps lift spirits and brighten days in ways that truly matter.

 

Running 26.2 miles will be the hardest thing we have ever done, but we are doing it with purpose and heart. We are running for the kids who can’t. We are running to help bring moments of light into dark times. And we're running to prove that when we push past our limits—for ourselves and for others—we can do something extraordinary.

Thank you for supporting us, and thank you for supporting Starlight.

 

Darren & Jake

The healing power of play

At first glance, it’s easy to think that play happens when the important stuff is taken care of. But for children, play is central to the way they learn and cope with new challenges. ​

​That’s why Starlight are committed to making play matter so much, it becomes an intrinsic part of every child’s healthcare pathway. They want to create a world where it’s official policy that play is a prerequisite on every child’s medical treatment plan. ​

Starlight are there to help all decision-makers understand the importance of play, leading thinking on its potential for positive impact, with the science to back it up.