Incredible people taking on amazing challenge for very poignant reasons
The London Landmarks Half Marathon is back this spring. On April 7th 2024 thousands of dedicated runners will lace up their shoes to take on the iconic streets of London, all to support over 500 charities working across the UK.
The London Landmarks Half Marathon is renowned for its unique route, taking participants through the very heart of London, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience the city's rich history, culture, and iconic landmarks. From the iconic Tower Bridge to St. Paul's Cathedral, runners will have the chance to see London from a whole new perspective, one step at a time.
What sets this event apart is its commitment to fundraising. Organised by the UK’s leading baby charity Tommy’s and working alongside over 500 charity partners, runners have the opportunity to support a cause that's close to their hearts. But it’s not just the charities who benefit, fundraising for charity provides participants with a purpose, a sense of community and motivation to lace up those trainers and head out to train.
Among the incredible individuals preparing to embark on this journey is Aime Nimmo from Northamptonshire. Aime's path to the LLHM has been marked by both triumph and tribulation. Having suffered the devastating loss of five miscarriages, Aime found solace and support through Tommy's Recurrent Miscarriage Research team, who provided invaluable care through the NHS. However, a spinal and hip injury forced Aime to pause her running pursuits for an extended period. Now, with determination in her heart, Aime is ready to conquer the marathon, running for Tommy’s as a gesture of gratitude and support for others facing similar challenges.
“Running is an outlet for me to improve by mental and physical health.” explains Amie. “After suffering five miscarriages, both my husband and I have found joy in running together and fundraising for Tommy’s who have been and continue to be such a huge support to us.”
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Anthony Payne from Essex, who will be celebrating his 56th birthday by running alongside his disabled son, supported by his friend Paul "Chuck" Norris
Laura is taking partJoining Aime is Anthony Payne from Essex, who will be celebrating his 56th birthday by running with his son Ralph, one of the event’s wheelchair participants. Anthony's motivation stems from personal tragedy; “We’re raising funds for Cancer Research as I lost my Mum to Cancer in 2014, good friends in 2011 and 2020 and my Dad currently has stage 4 lung cancer - the disease is relentless and I want to do what I can.” Anthony is determined to raise funds for continued research, running for Cancer Research UK. His son, a permanent wheelchair user, serves as a source of inspiration, reminding Anthony of the importance of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. “I take my disabled son Ralph with me in his three wheeler and being able to run with him means so much to me.”
Millie Donlan from Battersea, London, has a deeply personal reason for participating in the LLHM. Her brother's battle with a brain stem glioma, has fueled her determination to raise funds for The Brain Tumour Charity. “I volunteered at last year’s London Landmarks Half Marathon and was inspired - I knew I had to be part of it in 2024. Running helps me switch off from my busy life and I enjoy the challenge of improving my pace. I am running for my older brother Josh who was diagnosed with a brain stem gluons at age two which affects his central nervous system and has left him a permanent wheelchair user. I’m running for The Brain Tumour Charity and for Josh who is always so positive and is a real survivor. “
Emma-Jane Jagger from Havant runs alongside her father, celebrating his victory over prostate cancer and raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK. Laura Copeland from Stratford, London, embodies the transformative power of running, having overcome addiction and mental illness. Running for Cassel Hospital and CGL where she now volunteers as a peer support officer, Laura's journey is one of self-discovery, healing, and newfound confidence.
Laura explains her motivation for taking part, "ultimately, I am running the London Landmarks Half Marathon to celebrate life. I am extremely lucky to be fit and healthy; especially after putting my body through a lot of stress throughout the years. At my worst, I was consuming around 250 units of alcohol per week and I’m grateful that all damage done was irreversible and I have this second chance at life."
Their stories are a testament to the transformative power of the London Landmarks Half Marathon, where every step taken symbolises courage, resilience, and hope. As they lace up their shoes and prepare to tackle the iconic landmarks of London, they inspire us all to believe in the extraordinary capacity of the human spirit to overcome adversity and create positive change.
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