Tom’s Fundraising Story

A keen runner, Tom last ran the London Marathon in 2014 for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young after the sudden death of a friend aged just 31. Beth was born the following year and consequently opportunities to exercise became limited as the family battled the demands of living with Dravet Syndrome. However, over the past 18 months Tom has focused his limited ‘me time’ on running once more, with the primary motivator of becoming fitter and stronger to care for an increasingly bigger eldest daughter! Doing so with a clear purpose, he says he has “never enjoyed exercising more”.

But wait, there’s more to this story – Tom isn’t just tackling one marathon in 2026! He said “Beth is supported by three other amazing charities. So, with that in mind, I have decided to take on the challenge of running four marathons in the Spring of 2026 over a 64-day period with the target of raising a minimum of £3,000 for each.

Beth is of Welsh, French, English, and Danish heritage. Quite the combo! Therefore, I will be starting with the Great Welsh Marathon in March, before tackling Paris and London in April, and finishing in Copenhagen in May.

Clearly, there is no comparison between the challenge of running 26.2 miles – even four times over – and those faced daily by families living with Dravet Syndrome. That said, training is still time consuming, physically demanding (often after very little rest given Beth’s sleep disorder) and race day is always emotional. But I couldn’t be more up for it! I am following a training plan and really enjoy embracing the commitment needed to stick to it…even in the cold winter months”.

We want to wish Tom the very best of luck for his epic challenge. We’re feeling tired just thinking about the miles he’ll cover in 2026, but rest assured we’ll be there every step of the way for Tom, to support his training and on race day, and for his family, as they continue to navigate the challenges of life with Dravet Syndrome.