My Story

My London Marathon 2026 Fundraising Page

Running 26.2 miles for Andy’s Man Club (and possibly for new kneecaps).

Hello everyone!

In April 2026, I’ll be taking on the London Marathon — a decision I’m still trying to explain to myself, my legs, and anyone who’s ever seen me tackle a flight of stairs. But I’m not doing it for glory, medals, or even for the excuse to eat my bodyweight in carbs (although… perks).

I’m doing it for Andy’s Man Club, an organisation that has supported me personally — and one that desperately needs more awareness, especially in male-dominated industries like ours.

💙 Why Andy’s Man Club Matters to Me

This part isn’t a joke — it’s the reason I’m running.

My wife Emma and I experienced the heartbreaking loss of a baby. In the aftermath, I walked into an Andy’s Man Club group not knowing what to expect. What I found was a place where men actually talked. A space where honesty, emotion, struggle, and support weren’t just allowed — they were encouraged.

That space helped me.

And then, last year, I lost a close friend to suicide — something that still hits incredibly hard. It was another painful reminder of how vital it is for men to have somewhere they can speak openly without judgment.

Andy’s Man Club quite literally saves lives.
And I want more people — especially men in our line of work — to know it exists.

🏢 Using My Platform as MD at Decormax

Being the MD of Decormax Limited puts me at the centre of a male-heavy industry, where the words “I’m struggling” are often replaced with “I’m fine, mate.”

Spoiler: we’re not always fine.

On top of that, our industry is facing some of the toughest conditions in years. Businesses are tightening belts, battling rising costs, and in too many cases, appointing administrators. Stress, pressure, uncertainty — it’s hitting owners, managers, staff, suppliers, and families.

And far too many men feel they have to deal with all of that silently.

This is exactly why Andy’s Man Club is so important.
So I’m using this marathon (and my rapidly deteriorating hamstrings) to raise awareness and funds for a charity that gives men a lifeline when everything else feels like it’s cracking around them.

If even one guy in our industry sees this and reaches out for support, every mile will be worth it.

😂 Training Update: Pain, Pasta & Panic

A quick snapshot of marathon prep so far:

• Realised 26.2 miles is MUCH further than it looks on TV

• Learned that nipples can, in fact, chafe

• Googled “Is it normal to wheeze on flat ground?”

• Became approximately 87% pasta

• Discovered that running is basically crying… but with momentum

But hey — I’m committed. Possibly delusional, but committed.

🎯 My Fundraising Goal (AKA: The Price of My Poor Decisions)

I’m aiming to raise £4000 for Andy’s Man Club — a brilliant charity that actually knows what it’s doing… unlike me, who somehow thought running 26.2 miles was a normal, sensible thing for a grown adult with functioning knees to attempt.

Your donation will help men across the UK find a safe, welcoming space to talk before things reach crisis point —
and help me justify the fact that I now spend my weekends “running” (read: gasping dramatically in public).

Here’s what your support really gets you:

• £10 — fuels the conversation (and buys me about 30 seconds of confidence before the next hill)

• £25 — helps provide space for men to open up (and helps stop me opening Deliveroo instead of my training plan)

• £50 — supports the running of local groups (and supports my fantasy that I’ll finish without crying, limping, or calling for a taxi)

• £100+ — makes a huge difference to the charity… and gives me something inspirational to think about at mile 20, where my soul will almost certainly attempt to leave my body

Every donation — big or small — genuinely helps.
It also gives you the moral high ground forever.
Want to bring it up at dinner parties? Go for it.
Want to remind me you supported me every time I’m limping around the office? Be my guest.

And honestly:
If I’m willing to run 26.2 miles, the least you can do is donate £5 and enjoy the show.

🙏 How You Can Help

✔ Donate — even a small amount helps massively
✔ Share — spreading awareness could reach someone who truly needs it
✔ Encourage me — because let’s be honest, I’ll need it more than electrolytes

🏁 Thank You

Thank you for reading, supporting, donating, sharing, and even laughing at my questionable decision-making.

This run is for the men we’ve lost, the men who are struggling, and the men who just need a place to talk.

With your help, Andy’s Man Club can reach even more people who need it.

Here’s to 26.2 miles of sweat, emotion, and probably some ugly crying — but all for an incredible cause.

Thank you,