London Marathon 2025

Apr 27, 2025

Claire Cullingford

After entering the ballot for the London marathon for more than 10 years I was over the moon to receive the ‘I’m in’ email! After having my 3 children and being in my late 30’s this is the challenge that I needed! It’s definitely not going to be easy with all the training required, but I’m going to give it my all!
I have picked two very special charities to run for. The first charity is ‘Brain Tumour Research’ and I have chosen this charity because a very close family friend has recently been diagnosed with a brain tumour. Getting this news came as a huge shock for Kev and his family, but we have everything crossed for him and wish him well with all of his treatment.

The second charity I have chosen is ‘Scotty’s Little Soldiers’ I came across this charity via a friends Facebook post and once I read all about the charity and the story behind it I couldn’t stop thinking about it and the remarkable work Nikki and her team are doing for military children who have lost a parent.
As a military family this hit close to home and I instantly knew I would love to raise some money for this worthy cause.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and I will keep you all updated on my training progress 🏃🏼‍♀️

Below are a few details about my chosen charities and what your money will go towards.

BRAIN TUMOUR RESEARCH
Our Vision

To find a cure for all types of brain tumours

Our Mission

To increase the UK investment in brain tumour research

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.

Brain Tumour Research is determined to change this.

We are the only national charity in the UK focused on finding a cure for all types of brain tumours through campaigning to increase the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million per year, while fundraising to create a network of seven sustainable Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK.

SCOTTY’S LITTLE SOLDIERS
Our Mission
To provide relief from the effects of bereavement to young people who have experienced the death of a parent who served with the Armed Forces of the Crown.

#HelpTheirChildrenSmile

Our Promises: We want every bereaved military child to have:
1. Access to the very best health and well-being support
2. Outstanding development opportunities
3. The chance to smile again

Supporting

Brain Tumour Research

Health | 1153487

50%

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. Help us in our vision to find a cure.

Scotty's Little Soldiers

Community | 1170528

50%

When a parent dies, the impact on their child is significant. When that parent served in the Armed Forces, the impact is even greater with children often feeling they’ve lost their connection to the military community. Scotty’s Little Soldiers prevents that. Together, we can ensure the very best bereavement support remains available.