My Story

Join me in helping children and families through their toughest times.

I used to run in my late teens over 40 years ago and I loved the freedom it gave me.  Anxiety wasn't something that was spoken about back then and I now realise that running had become a way for me to feel in control, a way to escape for a short while at least and then what I was anxious about suddenly didn't seem that bad.  

But then life gets in the way and I stopped running until now 42 years later.  Running a marathon was not on my bucket list and I certainly had no intention of starting running in my sixties, let alone run my first marathon at 62 so why oh why am I doing this.

Well I have been given a unique opportunity to run for a charity alongside my eldest daughter Bethany and we will both be raising funds for Ormiston Families which is a small local charity that reunites families who for variuos reasons have become separated.  Its a charity my wife works for and I see first hand how much she enjoys seeing the difference the charity makes to these families especially the children.

So I couldn't say no and I started training early, July 2025 and oh my days was it hard.  Started with walk jogging, walk 200m then sort of shuffle run for another 200m over a kilometre that soon led to a whole kilometre running then 2, 3 and so on.  My running went from a shuffle to an easy stride I remember from my late teens and my pace started getting faster but then I got injured, several times that prevent me running for several months up to Christmas but I'm back running, injury free so far and did my longest run, 32km last Monday and a half marothon this Sunday just gone.  Im now in my final taper period before the marathon so hopefully ready on the day.  

I have one additional complication, I have suffered with cataracts for the past few years but they were mild and nothing to worry about but in December, they developed significantly at quite an alarming rate at the same time hardening and completely altering my vision with glasses unable to correct so I am only able to see about 10m before everything is blurry.  They seem to have settled now with my vision not getting any worse but for a few days, I really thought i was going blind.   Both my daughters have joked they need to air tag me on the day in case I get lost but that's not going to happen as I'm running with Bethany.  It's not as dramatic as it sounds, its just a quick simple operation scheduled for May 5th and that's me sorted.

Please support me by making a donation that will make such a difference.  Any amount, big or small would really be appreciated.  I will keep updating this page with my progress and certainly my experience on the day with photos so please stay tuned in.  I will leave you with  few words from Ormiston Families below:

If you would also like to support Bethany, please find the link below

https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/bethany-hayward

Thank you so much

Ormiston Families

Every day, children and families across the East of England face challenges that can feel overwhelming – from the trauma of losing a loved one, to the impact of mental health struggles, or the pain of being separated when a parent is in prison.

You can give children a safe space to feel happier, stronger and understood.

Every gift makes a difference.

Thank you for giving children the chance of a brighter future.