My Story

What, Why, When

If you know me, whether as a friend, family member, or one of our amazing South West Swim athletes, you’ll very likely be aware that I completed the London Marathon in 2025. I made no secret about it and wrote about my journey in the hope of encouraging others to do something totally outside their own comfort zone. After more than 20 years of not running, I made it to the finish line and caught the bug to continue running and one day, do London all over again.

Last year was about getting across the line and proving I could do something I had always dreamed of doing. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had more to give, and I wanted to experience the magic of London one more time in the future, it was like nothing  else I had ever experienced in an event.

I didn’t get a ballot place for 2026, which was expected as I was lucky enough to secure one in 2025. However, I’m excited to say that I’ve been offered a charity place with the official British Heart Foundation team. After some thought, I accepted the place, knowing that opportunities like this don’t come around often and I may not get another chance to ‘Run London’ again.

This time there will be some other runs en route, The Cotswolds Lakes 10km and Cirencester half marathon are already planned and in the diary at the moment. I would love it if you could join me and the SWS team running (or suporting) at these events.

The British Heart Foundation is a cause that means a great deal to me. When I ran in 2025, I was asked by our swimmer to create a sponsorship page and chose to support them, raising nearly £1,900 through generous donations alone.  I’ve also taken part in other fundraising events for them, including my Windermere end-to-end swim but it's the first time I have been on their official charity team.

This charity is close to my heart for personal reasons. My mum had several heart-related health issues during her life and sadly passed away before a scheduled operation that might have helped. That’s why I have chosen to support the BHF in the past and why I’m proud to officially run for them in 2026.

My fundraising target is £2,500, which is going to be hard work to get too. While all donations are very much appreciated, I also want to offer something back. Each month, I’ll be donating a number of special swim sessions where every penny raised will go straight to my BHF fundraising total. These sessions will let me give you something valuable while raising money for a cause that truly matters.  We will also have other fundraisers of some nature, ideas are always welcome.

You can see these sessions, and buy at www.southwestswim.co.uk/bhfcharity, as mentinoed they will be limited and a new batch will be released on the first Monday of every month, around midday.

Thank you so much for your continued support of myself and South West Swim, and for helping me raise money for charitable causes.

– Jason