The London Marathon is Nichola's first international marathon, but her 20th marathon (the other 19 were all run in South Africa). It is also Stuart's first marathon, Nichola's son. What a wonderful reason for these two to raise funds together for a cause that is close to both of their hearts: Education in Southern Africa.

The London Marathon helps to raise vital funds for the Canon Collins Trust's education work in Southern Africa. This work began in 1981 when Apartheid divided South Africa and Namibia, leaving black Africans living in poverty and servitude.

Today, even though Apartheid has officially ended, there are numerous injustices remaining. In South Africa, unemployment and gender-based violence are sky high. In Zimbabwe, a brutal regime does not tolerate opposition and the economy has all but collapsed. In Eswatini (Swaziland) the monarch holds all the power while ordinary people have nothing.

The Canon Collins Trust is committed to fighting such injustices, and does so by supporting the "leaders of tomorrow" who share our commitment. We support their activism through scholarships to study at universities in South Africa. We support postgraduate study, because it is at this level that people can make a real difference in society.

Please support Nichola and Stuart as London Marathon runners to help Canon Collins!