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Hula hooping Oxfordshire fundraiser sets new world record at Royal Parks half marathon

Pride of Britain finalist, Tamara ‘Tats’ Ward set a new world record today (Sunday 12 October) at the Royal Parks Half Marathon in a truly unique way – by running the full 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 29 minutes while hula hooping.

She hopes her feat will raise both awareness and vital funds for Dravet Syndrome UK, the national charity dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by this rare and life-limiting epilepsy.

Tamara’s efforts have raised a total of £500,000 for the charity over five years, inspired by her nine year old nephew, Dominic and others like him, who live with Dravet Syndrome. In October 2024, she cycled from London to Paris with her daughter Mimi then aged 10 making Mimi the youngest girl to complete this challenge and raising over £20,000 for Dravet Syndrome UK. Tamara also came up with the idea for Dravet Syndrome UK’s now flagship fundraising challenge called Every Day in May for Dravet, which now in its fifth year saw almost 500 supporters take part in May 2025 raising over £120,000.

In preparation for the Royal Parks Half Marathon, Tamara has been training for months to perfect the art of hula hoop running. She said: “Taking on a half marathon with a hula hoop is certainly one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever set myself. But every spin of the hoop is for Dominic and for all the families living with Dravet Syndrome. If I can raise vital funds for Dravet Syndrome UK while setting a new world record, then it will all be worthwhile.”

Dravet Syndrome is a rare and catastrophic type of epilepsy beginning in infancy, bringing with it frequent, prolonged seizures, a high risk of sudden unexpected death from epilepsy, and complex neurodevelopmental challenges. Dravet Syndrome UK provides essential support for families, funds medical research, and provides education to health and care professionals.

Donations to support Tamara in her record-breaking challenge can be made via her fundraising page

“We are in awe of Tamara and her determination in taking on such a tough challenge to raise vital funds for Dravet Syndrome UK. Tamara has already given so much to our charity – from creating our fundraising challenge Every day in May for Dravet to riding from London to Paris with her daughter Mimi last year and yet she continues to push herself even further. We are so grateful for the awareness and funds her challenge will raise so we can provide even more support to families affected by this devastating condition.”
Galia Wilson, Chair of Trustees at Dravet Syndrome UK