My Story

About The Charity 

🏃‍♀️ Running the London Marathon for Hertfordshire Community Foundation

Hi, I’m Irina Dowling, and in April 2026 I’ll be taking on one of the biggest challenges of my life — the London Marathon — in support of Hertfordshire Community Foundation.

This will be my second marathon, but this one feels very different.

I’ve previously run the Southampton Marathon, which I’m incredibly proud of — but the London Marathon is one of the World Marathon Majors, and completing one of the “big six” is a milestone for any runner. It’s something I’ve dreamed about for years, and something I know my dad — who used to run marathons himself — would be proud to see me achieve.

That motivation pushes me on during the tough training days… especially because I know just how hard this journey can be.

💪 Why this challenge matters to me

During my last marathon, I suffered an injury in the build-up which made race day far tougher than it should have been. This time, my goal isn’t just to finish — it’s to train smart, stay strong, and complete the London Marathon without having to stop.

There will be early mornings, tired legs, and moments where quitting feels tempting — but I’ll keep going, because this run isn’t just about me. It’s about supporting a charity that has made a real difference to people I love.

💙 Why I’m running for Hertfordshire Community Foundation

Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF) supports local people and grassroots groups who often don’t attract mass public attention — but whose work is absolutely vital.

They provide grants to:

• Individuals and families struggling to meet basic needs like food, fuel and water
  
  

• Community groups opening clubs, activities and safe spaces for young people
  
  

• Local projects helping steer vulnerable individuals away from hardship and trouble
  
  

This charity is deeply personal to me — members of my own family have been helped by HCF, which is why supporting them means so much.

Since 1988, HCF has:

• Awarded over £35 million to local communities
  
  

• Managed 100+ charitable funds
  
  

• Distributed over £5 million in grants in 2023/24 alone to support Hertfordshire’s most vulnerable residents
  
  

Your donation helps keep this support going — quietly but powerfully.

🎯 My fundraising goal

To secure my charity place, I need to raise £2,500 by 26th April 2026.

Every single donation — no matter the size — makes a genuine difference and brings me one step closer to both the start line and helping people in the community who need it most.

🙏 Thank you

If you’re able to donate, share or cheer me on during training, I’d be incredibly grateful. I’ll be sharing updates along the way — the good runs, the tough ones and everything in between — and I’ll proudly thank supporters as I go.

Thank you for believing in me, believing in this cause and helping turn 26.2 miles into something truly meaningful.

Any donation, at any amount, would mean the world. ❤️