Larissa:

Running a marathon is something I never imagined possible. Since the age of 13, I’ve suffered with recurrent patellar dislocations, leaving me in constant pain and years of instability. After four knee surgeries, two of which were performed at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH), I’m incredibly proud (and slightly terrified!) to now be preparing to take on 26.2 miles in support of the hospital that has changed my life.

I owe a huge amount to RJAH, not just for their role in my physical recovery, but also for shaping my career. I was fortunate to complete my PhD at the hospital, using real patient samples to support world-leading orthopaedic research. I now work as a post-doctoral researcher investigating how delayed admission affects neurological recovery in patients with spinal cord injuries, research that has the potential to directly influence how care is delivered across the UK.

Andy:

It will have been 11 years since I last stood on that start line when the 2026 marathon rolls around. Last time, I was under prepared, carrying an injury (which got significantly worse half way around) and not the most athletic individual. Fast forward to now and I have the body of an 80 year old man, why not try and do it all again?!

So why am I? Being with Riss means I get to see the work that goes on at RJAH and its vital importance to the quality of living of many people each year. Having the opportunity to represent them is not something I take lightly. I am aiming for top 10, would likely settle for a finish time inside 10 working days.

Why Donate?

RJAH is more than a hospital. It’s a place of hope and transformation, providing specialist care for patients across the UK with complex orthopaedic conditions. From surgical excellence to pioneering rehabilitation, the staff are relentless in their commitment to helping people regain mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Orthopaedic care isn’t niche, it’s something almost all of us will need at some point in our lives, whether due to injury, ageing, or chronic conditions. The money raised through this marathon will help fund care that transforms lives that shapes the future of musculoskeletal and spinal injury treatment.

This marathon is a way of giving back to the hospital that has given so much. Please consider donating, every pound will genuinely make a difference and help ensure that everyone can find strength on the other side of injury.