I'm Running the London Marathon – For 1st Headcorn Scouts

If you had told me two years ago that I’d be running the London Marathon, I wouldn’t have believed you. I’ve never been a runner, and it’s as much of a surprise to me as it will be to many of you.

At that time, I was in the middle of cancer treatment—20 weeks of chemo, followed by surgery and radiotherapy. Recovery was harder than I ever imagined, and getting back to normality felt like an uphill battle. Running—starting with Couch to 5K, alongside my family and our dog—became a key part of rebuilding my strength, both physically and mentally.

Buoyed by the enthusiasm of managing my first 20-minute run, I took a leap and entered the London Marathon ballot, convinced I’d never get a place. So when the email arrived telling me I had, I was stunned. I had two choices—quietly delete it and never tell a soul, or take on the challenge. A friend happened to walk in at that moment, saw my face, and asked what was wrong. And so, the decision was made.

Months of training later, here I am, still not quite sure how I got here but determined to give it my best effort.

When choosing a cause to support, I wanted to give back to something local—something that makes a real difference. That’s when I thought of 1st Headcorn Scouts.

Throughout my illness, the Cubs and Scouts provided my children with a much-needed escape—somewhere they could have fun, make friends, and just be kids, away from the challenges at home. But that was just one chapter of our connection with this incredible group. I’ve seen so many young people grow in confidence, resilience, and leadership through Scouting.

Scouting isn’t just about knots and campfires, though there’s plenty of that. It’s about adventure, teamwork, and developing life skills. It gives young people experiences they might never have otherwise—from hiking and camping to learning vital leadership skills. And all of this is made possible by volunteers who dedicate countless hours to making it happen.

Now, 1st Headcorn Scouts urgently need a new minibus to keep running their programme of activities. From weekend camps to adventure trips, that bus is a vital lifeline—and I’d love your help in making it a reality.

If you can, please consider donating. Every pound will help give more children the chance to experience the adventure and community that Scouting offers.

Thank you for your support.

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