My Story

Magnus:

In April 2026, I’m running the London Marathon for Horatio’s Garden, a charity doing quietly remarkable work in NHS spinal centres across the UK. They create beautiful, restorative gardens for people living with life-changing spinal injuries - places full of light, calm and dignity at a time when everything else feels out of control.

Horatio, who first had the idea for the charity before he was killed in 2011, was my elder brother. He was clever, kind, endlessly curious, and had that rare ability to make everyone around him feel lighter. He understood something that most people don’t learn until much later: that access to nature isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline. What began as his vision has become something extraordinary, and it’s a huge privilege to be running in his name.

I’ve supported the charity since it's inception, but this is the first time I’ve done something that might actually put my body to the test. I’m not exactly built for long-distance running, but if a few sore legs can help keep these gardens growing, then it’s worth every step. If you’re able to support, I’d be hugely grateful.

Titus:

I’m feeling a bit daunted by the challenge I’ve some how agreed to, but didn’t want to be out done by my little brother….
 
Like Magnus, I’m not really built for long distance running – but am giving it a go!
 
To have the chance to do this with Pete is awesome – when I’m feeling fed up with training or moaning about sore feet, Pete puts everything into perspective and focusses my determination as I know it’s nothing compared to what he, and 100s of people like him, endure every day.
 
Over the years since we started Horatio’s Garden, I’ve seen first hand the difference these places make to people like Pete and their families. I can’t imagine the trauma of being paralysed, but also can’t imagine going through this trauma as a patient or a family member, without being able to get away from the ward, have fun with friends and a place to gather my thoughts together and feel calm.
 
Please donate to help me – but also because you will make a difference to the 4700 people each year who are going through the worst of times.
 
Dig deep now and come and cheer us on! We’re going to need it.
 
Thanks guys.

Pete:

 Hi, I’m Pete. I’m a former Olympic rower with three gold medals, naval officer, full-time wheelchair user, husband, dad, and someone who still says “yes” to slightly ridiculous ideas — like rolling the London Marathon with two much fitter, younger guys. I was paralysed by a spinal cord injury in 2019, which changed how I move through the world, but not my appetite for challenge, teamwork, or good people doing good things.

 Horatio’s Garden is a very special and personal charity to me. Their gardens support and nurture people living through the change, challenge, loss, trauma and hardest days imaginable after a spinal cord injury. Not with platitudes, but with beauty, calm, dignity, and space to breathe. As someone who’s lived that early hospital chapter, I know how powerful that quiet, human space can be. I’m proud to be an ambassador for the charity and even prouder to roll alongside friends and brothers in support of their incredible work.

Unfortunately, Pete will be unable to join the boys on race day this year, but he will be cheering them on and acting as their (much needed) coach!