Mark

Mark knows the London Marathon course, from London’s Greenwich to The Mall, all too well.  

That’s because he’s faced the 26.2-mile mission before in 2022, in support of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and described it “as an honour to wear the charity’s vest.” 

“Once I had done so, there was no way I was running for anyone else if I ever did it again, from the support the team gave throughout the training, to meeting everyone on the day,” Mark explains.  

“Although the biggest moment for me was speaking to runners who had first-hand experience with the work the hospices do and hearing the difference Shooting Star made to their lives, it touched me more than I could imagine.” 

The year he took on the marathon for the first time, was the year he first started running.  

“I’ve always lived a busy and, at times, unhealthy lifestyle, and if you’d asked anyone I knew in 2021 if I could run a marathon, they would have laughed,” Mark said.
  

“Proving to myself and them, that it could be done, was an incredible challenge and one I am very proud of! 

“I love running and the challenges it brings. My body doesn’t always agree, and it’s taking its toll a bit, but the deeper I get into the training, the more I seem to enjoy it. The feeling of ‘just 5km more’ and then the elation you feel once you’ve finished. It makes that well-earned glass of wine taste that much better. Also, life is so full on sometimes; I love having something that forces me to forget all about it for a while.” 

As Mark continues his training ahead of the big day, he said he “couldn’t think of a better team to be part of.” 

“I was just blown away last time by the comradery, the support and help everyone gives each other and the love the Shooting Star team gives.  

“We received a support package before the big day last time and I was almost in tears opening it up. It was so thoughtful and really made you feel like everything you were doing was genuinely appreciated.  

“I really think being part of such a great team makes you enjoy the whole thing that much more.  

“It can be very tough at times; it can also be lonely, but being part of a team just pulls you through it.” 

You can support Mark’s marathon challenge by donating here, with all funds raised helping to make every moment count for families facing the unimaginable. 

If  Mark has inspired you to be a part of Team Shooting Star at the London Marathon next year, visit our website for more information.