London Marathon runners 2025

This year's London Marathon takes place on 27 April. Four of our supporters who will be taking part in the iconic event tell us why they have chosen to fundraise for us.

Ettie's Grandma joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service when she left school and was posted to Italy during the Second World War serving in Naples as part of the Army Broadcasting Service.

She learned Morse Code and sent messages to the UK which were then decoded at Bletchley Park. Ettie says:

“Grandma turned 100 last year and the momentous milestone felt like the right time to give something back to the charity which has been there for her since she lost her sight.” 

Our support for Ettie's grandma

We have supported Ettie’s grandma since she was diagnosed with age related macular degeneration.  

"Grandma has a support worker who visits her and sees what equipment they can provide to help her such as an audio book player, a kettle which measures out the correct amount of water for a cup of tea and a special device which magnifies documents and allows grandma to read them.  

“The charity also organises events grandma can attend like lunches with other blind veterans in her local area and someone is always available on the phone if she needs anything. I hope my fundraising allows more veterans like my grandma receive the charity’s life changing support.” 

Ettie and the marathon

The London Marathon will be Ettie’s first ever long-distance run. She says:

“I’ve always wanted to do a marathon, I’m super active and enjoy lots of sports but I’m not a long-distance runner so this is going to be a challenge for me. 

“The London Marathon is one of the biggest charitable events in the country and I really like the inclusivity of it. I also used to live on the route so am looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere of the day from a runner’s perspective.  

“I really wanted to do something special for Grandma and this seems like the right thing to do.” 

Personal challenge

After signing up for the marathon, Osman had his own personal challenge to overcome which could have stood in the way of him achieving his goal. 

Last year Osman was diagnosed with a heart condition causing irregular heartbeats. After two severe flare ups in May and June rendering first the right, and then the left, side of his body extremely debilitated, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

MS is a lifelong condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks parts of the brain and causes tiredness and problems with walking and balance.  

“At first I couldn’t walk for longer than two minutes but I’ve been building my strength and I’ve got my fitness back to where it was. I want to show people that you can overcome the symptoms and I wasn’t about to let it beat me. 

“I recently met one of the blind veterans who is supported by the charity and lives on the Isle of Wight; he’s not much older than me. I have learnt how the charity has supported him and heard about his own walking challenge that he has completed. He has given me the extra motivation I need to drag myself out on training runs during the winter months.” 

Osman's marathon preparation

Not content with the challenge of the London Marathon, Osman has also taken on the Southampton Half Marathon this year and will be running the Barcelona Marathon and the Great North Run. He says:

“I’ve got no social life at the moment. I’ve been training since August and I go for a long run on Sundays and hilly runs on Tuesdays. I’d like to complete the London Marathon in three hours and 40 minutes and hopefully I’ll raise lots of money to support our blind veterans while I am doing it.” 

How I got into running

Rob started running during the Covid pandemic:

"There wasn’t much else to do at this time so instead of opening the beers, I went for a run."

Rob began by running five kilometres a day and that soon turned into five miles. He carried on running after that:

“It’s a good routine to get into, I finish work and then go for a run. It can be as long or short as you like so can be fitted in around life. 

“I find that running is good for getting to see places. I’ve only been to Brighton once so by running the marathon, I hope to get a feel for the place.” 

Supporting our charity

Rob wanted to raise money for a charity while taking on the challenge. He says:

“I know quite a few people who have served in the military and around Remembrance I saw a lot about Blind Veterans UK and wanted to do my bit to support veterans. 

“They help veterans learn vital life skills and give them the tools they need to discover a life after sight loss. They do this by giving veterans the rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support they need to live independent lives. 

“I feel it’s important to help raise awareness of military charities. Veterans don’t always get the appreciation they deserve and losing sight leaves real adjustments needing to be made."

Taking part in the London Marathon

Neil started running after he gave up rugby and really enjoyed it. Last year he took part in the Brighton Marathon and has also taken part in Race to Remember to raise money for Combat Stress. 

“Running allows me to get out and about and clear my head. Taking part in the London Marathon has always been on my bucket list and I wanted to finally tick it off before turning 50! I’m looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere and the crowds and forever having the memory of the day. 

“I completed the Brighton Marathon in four hours and 17 minutes and I’d love to run the London Marathon in around four hours.” 

Sopra Steria

Neil is employed by leading tech consultancy and digital services provider Sopra Steria, which has been a corporate partner of ours for three consecutive years. Last summer a group of employees from the organisation joined together with our staff and veterans to complete a hiking challenge to reach the summit of Tal Y Fan in the Snowdonia National Park raising £20,000 for the charity. Neil says:

“My colleagues did amazingly well last year; I now want to do my bit to support Blind Veterans UK. As a fellow veteran I’m always keen to support veteran charities as I know how vital they are to those they support. 

“I feel honoured and humbled to have been given a place in the London Marathon for such a fantastic charity.”