My Story

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page! I am thrilled (and slightly nervous!) to share that I will be taking on the TCS London Marathon on April 26, 2026.

I’m running to support the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA), the charitable heart of the longest standard gauge independent heritage railway in the UK. The WSR is a true jewel of the South West, winding through the stunning Quantock Hills and out to the Bristol Channel—but keeping this history moving requires immense dedication and funding.

Why I’m Running: The Restoration of No. 80064 The funds I raise are going directly toward a very special project: the restoration of BR Standard Class 4MT No. 80064. Built in 1954, this powerful tank engine is currently undergoing a massive overhaul to return it to steam. Like my marathon training, it’s a long journey involving a lot of hard work, but the goal is to see her hauling passengers through the Somerset countryside by 2028.

Training Update: 17 Miles and Counting! Training is officially in high gear. I recently completed my longest run ever—17 miles—which was a huge mental and physical milestone. With 26.2 miles waiting for me in London, every donation acts as the "coal in my firebox" to keep me moving through those final long-distance training weeks!

Follow the Progress I want you to see exactly where your hard-earned money is going. You can follow the detailed, step-by-step restoration of 80064 (and see photos of the boiler work currently underway) on the official blog: 🔗/wsra.org.uk/80064-blog/

Every Donation Counts Whether it’s £5 or £50, every penny helps us reach my £2,000 target. Your support ensures that this cherished piece of industrial history continues to thrive for future generations.

Thank you for helping me keep steam alive!