My Story

On Sunday, April 26, 2026, I will be lining up for my first-ever marathon. This journey represents a significant personal milestone: I officially restarted my training in January 2026 following surgery in November 2025. After six weeks of recovery, I have worked tirelessly through early morning strength sessions and weekday training runs—come rain or shine—alongside grueling long runs on the weekends. Having completed the Big Half last year, taking on the full 26.2 miles is the culmination of months of hard work, grit, and recovery.

The London Experience

I cannot wait to soak up the legendary atmosphere of the London Marathon. From the roar of the crowds at the Cutty Sark and the iconic crossing of Tower Bridge to the final sprint past Big Ben and Buckingham Palace toward The Mall, I am running to represent Black Trail Runners who made this opportunity possible. My goal is to be a visible presence for our community, showing that we belong in elite endurance spaces and on every mile of this historic course.

26.2 Miles of Dedication

I am splitting my race to honor two organisations that empower our community:

Miles 1–21: The 21st Anniversary Achievement Awards

Descendants is an Ealing-based charity that has been supporting children and young people of African and Caribbean heritage for 33 years. Its mission is to inspire youth to reach their full potential through educational and creative projects, heritage studies, and a dedicated weekly club. By fostering a sense of pride in their identity and history, the charity helps students build the confidence and skills necessary to excel in all areas of their lives.

The Dr. John Roberts QC CBE Education Achievement Awards, now in their 21st year, are the charity's flagship annual event. Named in honor of the UK’s first Black QC and a pioneering figure in the legal profession, these awards recognise and celebrate the academic, creative, and community achievements of students across Ealing. By shining a spotlight on youth excellence, the awards aim to motivate the next generation and celebrate the positive impact young people have on their communities.

While Descendants has been running for 33 years as an organisation, these miles are specifically dedicated to the 21st year of the Annual Achievement Awards. I am running one mile for every year these awards have celebrated the excellence and potential of children of African and Caribbean heritage in Ealing.

Miles 22–26: Black Trail Runners (5 Years)

Black Trail Runners (BTR) is a community-led organisation and charity dedicated to increasing the participation, inclusion, and representation of Black people in trail running. Founded in 2020, the group seeks to address barriers. By fostering a diverse and supportive community, BTR works to ensure that the sport of trail running is accessible and welcoming to everyone, regardless of their background or experience level.

A central pillar of the organisation’s work is its focus on visibility and advocacy within the wider running community. Through community-focused runs, outreach programs, and partnerships, Black Trail Runners aims to "reclaim the outdoors", challenging stereotypes and creating a space where representation is the norm rather than the exception. Their efforts are designed to inspire a new generation of runners to find confidence on the trails and to celebrate the mental and physical benefits of connecting with nature.

These five miles are for my training community. BTR has blazed a trail for representation in trail running for five years now, providing the inclusive space that kept me mentally grounded during my recovery and training.

The Final 0.2 Miles: My Son & The Next Generation

I am dedicating the final home stretch to my son and the future. I want young young people and runners who see us on this course to know that they can achieve these milestones too.

The Goal

I have set a personal challenge to support both organisations as they continue their vital work. Please choose the community you would like to support or split the donation between both below:

Support the Descendants 21st Anniversary Achievement Awards: Donate to Descendants.

Support Black Trail Runners: Donate on this page.