My Story

It’s been a long time coming, but I’m thrilled to finally be running the London Marathon on Sunday 26th April 2026! I can’t think of a better reason to take on this challenge than to raise money for the incredible work Mencap does.

As some of you may know, my Uncle Alan lives with Down’s Syndrome and has faced many of the barriers that Mencap works hard to break down. Every single donation helps close the gap in inequality and supports people with learning disabilities to lead more independent, fulfilling lives.

Right now, people with a learning disability face inequalities in every area of life with almost 1 in 3 young people with a learning disability spending less than 1 hour outside their home on a typical Saturday.

They face barriers finding a job, accessing activities in their local community and receiving good quality healthcare. Mencap tackle these issues head on by providing support in a way that meets individual needs and encourages greater independence.

Mencap give expert advice and information that empowers people and their families. They campaign relentlessly for changes that brings greater equality for people with a learning disability.

By supporting Team Mencap you will be helping them to support people with a learning disability to live the life they choose, and do the things they love.

Fundraising has got me this far, through a Quiz Night at The Fisherman's Club, my Weekly Running Club, and the generous donations of friends and family. We also did Guess the Reindeer and will be doing Guess the Easter Bunny, which brings in £250 a time. Thank you so much! 

Another BIG thank you to all local businesses in and around Eastbourne who donated prizes to the Raffle that took place at the Quiz Night in February. This really helped generate more sales of tickets. In total we raised over £585.00! 

This is the final push to reach my fundraising target. Please dig deep and give what you can to an outstanding charity making a huge difference to people's lives. 

Training has been going well, although I think it's normal to feel completely under prepared and under trained. Your generosity is on my mind during my training runs, and will undoubtedly be the focus on race day, giving me that extra push when things get tough. 

Thank you for all your help. Everyone one of you, it's been a journey and it's true when I say I've had a village of people behind me with this effort. In reality, the journey has only just begun and with race day only a month away, I'm super excited to step foot on to that start line and do myself and those supporting me proud. 

Thank you!

Matt