We are taking on the 2025 London Marathon for Sense!

Sense is a national Charity that supports people who are deafblind and those with complex disabilities, to be understood, connected and valued.

They are there for every person who faces communication barriers in a world that relies on being able to see and hear well to be connected. Together we can unlock barriers to communication so no one is isolated, left out or unable to fulfil their potential.

Jane's Story

My 29 year old daughter Sophie failed her 8 month hearing test and she was initially diagnosed with glue-ear. Two sets of grommets and a T-Tube later it was confirmed this was not the case and that her hearing loss would have been from birth. Regular appointments at the ENT and with each test her hearing getting gradually worse, we had to accept this was never going to get any better and that she would have to cope with only 40% hearing - moderate hearing loss of 60%. We had tears from her over the hearing aids (which she refused to wear in the end) and she went about her young life managing but was told by a speech therapist at school that she lip reads and which she still does. It hasn't held her back; in fact I think her hearing loss has made her the strong resilient person she is today. However, I understand how difficult it can be for those affected in their everyday life from early years through to adulthood and having support along the way is crucial for those with any disability to succeed in all they do.

Sophie's Story

I am running the London Marathon 2025 on behalf of the charity Sense. This charity supports children, young people and adults with complex needs as well as hearing and visual impairments.

From failing my 8 month old hearing test, I have struggled throughout my life with hearing loss in both ears & have had to accept growing up that this will only get worse & something I will have to continue to adapt to. When COVID hit in 2020 and everyone had to wear masks, this was a period of time when I struggled the most not being able to hear what people were saying and unable to lip read, I resorted to hearing aids - something I was absolutely against from a young age.

I currently have 60% hearing loss in both ears & rely heavily on hearing aids, lip reading and subtitles on TV.

So to have the opportunity to raise money for Sense is something that is close to my heart as well as being able to do this and run the London Marathon with my mum. ‎

Thank you for helping us reach our London Marathon goal.

Jane and Sophie xxx