We will be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon this year to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society. 

*** UPDATE 01/07 2021 ***

After nearly two years since signing up to the half-marathon it looks like it will be going ahead 01/08 - nice and warm! We are very excited to put all our training into practice and raise as much money as we can for such a worthwhile and important charity.

Thank you - Jake and Amy

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*** UPDATE FOLLOWING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 - 22/03 ***

As you may have suspected, the official London Landmarks Half-Marathon event due to take place on 29th March has been cancelled. Whilst the event organisers look for alternative dates, we have been told we can run the alternative "Local Landmarks Challenge": we have until the 2nd May to individually run and track a half-marathon locally (wherever is safest) to receive official confirmation from the organisers.

Amy and I have decided that we will be running this half-marathon on the day the event would have gone ahead i.e. 29th March. This is as we have trained up towards this date, albeit with some storms / isolation hiccups along the way, and want to complete the challenge for which you have all so generously donated. We shall post an update following our run and, once again, please accept our heartfelt thanks for your ongoing support and encouragement.

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When we signed up for the half marathon in August, the furthest we were able to plod through was a 5k - and only Amy could do it without stopping. After 3 months of training, Amy is able to run a comfortable 10k with me still plodding on behind her, praying that she slows down. But this is still half the distance we need to be able to run; so when we claim that it is a challenge for us... believe us, it is. 

So why did I sign up to raise money for MS Society? Simply put, I am inspired and in awe of the resilience and strength the Foden/Leeson family have shown in dealing with the condition; the effects of which are not confined to the individual, but ripple across to those who love and care about them. This is why we chose the MS Society: not only do they look at finding cures and preventative measures, but provide pastoral care and support to all those affected. 

Message from Amy about running for MS Society:

"MS Society has always been a charity close to my heart. My Grandma was diagnosed with MS in her early 40s, so it was always the charity for which we did sponsored silences and went carol singing, as well as performing around Christmas time for the MS society branch in Market Harborough where my Grandma frequently visited. She was a truly inspirational lady and, although she spent over 30 years in a wheelchair, she never let her disability define her by constantly exercising her many other skills such as painting, poetry and being able to answer any general knowledge question under the sun. Sadly, my Grandma passed away in 2012 and my Mum was diagnosed with the same condition in 2015. Living with MS is extremely difficult and takes so much strength every day, so I am so proud of my Mum for her positive mindset and determination to keep living life to the full. Our team name is 'Running for Leesons' as this was my Grandma's surname and Mother's maiden name."

Thank you for reading our story, any contribution is greatly appreciated and will help to make a difference.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.