25 Nov, 2024
As the iconic London Landmarks Half Marathon 2025 (LLHM15) approaches, we’re delighted to introduce our inspiring team of runners taking on this challenge to support The For Baby’s Sake Trust.
Each runner brings their unique motivations, personal stories, and commitment to helping families impacted by domestic abuse, making their efforts truly special.
In this blog, our runners share what inspired them to take part, the highs and lows of their training journeys, and the personal significance of supporting The For Baby’s Sake Trust. Whether you’re an experienced runner or someone considering lacing up your trainers for a cause you care about, their stories are sure to encourage and inspire.
Let’s get to know our runners as they prepare to make every step count for babies and families!
What inspired you to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon for The For Baby’s Sake Trust?
Jon: I have always enjoyed running but never really been confident enough to push myself to any great distances. It felt like a great opportunity to push myself whilst also supporting a great charity that I believe in. I think we see so many families that have been pushed so far and are still able to remain resilient and hopeful so that gives a lot if inspiration too.
Matt: I always like to have something in the diary. Earlier this year it was the London Marathon, later this year it’s Hyrox, and now the start of next year it’s the LLHM! I feel proud to be able to run the LLHM on behalf of FBS, but also with my colleague and friend, Jon. I’ve already accepted that he’ll run a faster time than me! I feel privileged to be able to give something back to this amazing charity that has so often inspired me to be better for myself, but also for the families that I support.
Could you share a bit about your training journey so far—any highlights or challenges?
Jon: Training has been difficult to fit in but finding time here and there even if it is running up the hill pushing the buggy I’m finding pockets to be ready.
Matt: Challenges? I’m not built like your traditional long-distance runner and therefore, any long distance running for me can be a heavy slog. However, each week I attend three to four HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) sessions alongside one additional short-ish run. I feel like I haven’t really stopped training, however, I don’t see my training as an addition to my schedule or my life; it is a part of it that maintains my mind and body to be healthy.
What does supporting The For Baby’s Sake Trust mean to you personally?
Jon: I had been so inspired by the approach of the Trust as soon as I found out about them, the willingness to do something different and approach a long standing issue from a different approach and with an understanding of the trauma a lot of people have experienced was so needed and inspirational. I feel very fortunate in my position to be able to work with the families we do and in the way that we do and to make a significant change for the better is a truly privileged opportunity.
Matt: Every little helps, to steal the tagline from a UK major supermarket chain. Whatever I can do to ensure that as many families and as many babies are supported, then I will do it. I wanted to work for the Trust four years before I actually got my opportunity, because of how amazing the people are here, and the work that they do. To be a part of that, professionally, and to support the Trust socially, is something truly special.
How can people get involved and support your fundraising efforts?
Jon: Going to the fundraising page and giving anything they can (and any words of encouragement!).
Matt: Visit the fundraising page, come along to the virtual quiz (that we will arrange soon), and remind me not to have that fourth biscuit.
What would you say to anyone thinking of running for a cause they care about?
Jon: Do it! It’ll be daunting but so worth it especially if it is a cause you believe in.
Matt: Be proud of your effort.
