My Story

I am running the London Marathon 2026 for First Days Childrens charity because it's an incredible charity. I had the honour of being a trustee for the charity for just over 10 years and have seen what a vital service they offer and how they have evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. 

First Days don't just hand out beds, school shoes or coats (though they do all of that, and more), they support parents who are trying to rebuild their lives — after homelessness, after crisis, after incredibly tough times.

They help parents access essential items with dignity, they connect them to long-term support, and they empower them to take steps forward. That’s what makes their work so special: it’s not just about things — it’s about change.

When you support First Days, you're helping a parent give their child a warm bed and a fresh start. You’re saying: we believe in you, and we’re behind you.

Take Lucy, for example: When Lucy walked through the doors of First Days Children’s Charity, she was overwhelmed. Her family had recently fled a difficult domestic situation, and with three young children and nothing but a few bags of clothes, she was starting over—completely from scratch.

No beds. No school shoes. No winter coats. Just survival.

Within days, thanks to the support of people like you, Lucy’s children had warm beds to sleep in, new school uniforms, and a safe place to call home. But the help didn’t stop there. We connected Lucy to local services, gave her dignity and choice through our community shop, and helped her rebuild her confidence through our groundbreaking coaching service. 

She said: “First Days didn’t just give us things—they gave us hope. They reminded me that we weren’t alone.”

Now, Lucy is working, her children are thriving in school, and their future looks brighter than ever.

This is what real change looks like and you have the opportunity to be part of it. 

Last year they supported 9,047 children, and their parents, across Wokingham, Bracknell and Reading. Each year, they need to raise £400,000 to deliver their services in the community.