Thousands of runners will take to the streets of London this weekend for the marathon, and our local runners are raring to go – including Millwall boss and one man who has run it 34 times.
Kevin Downey, from Bermondsey, has raised over £120,000 for children’s charities since he started running in the 1980s.
This year will mark his 34th London Marathon.
He’s dedicating his run to Millwall superfan, Harvey Brown (pictured). Now, 14, he suffers from the ultra-rare Morquio syndrome, which affects skeletal growth. The money raised by Kevin, a lifelong Millwall fan himself, will go towards supporting children with rare syndromes like Harvey’s.
“It’ll be the second time I’m running for him,” the 64-year-old said.
He’s no stranger to the race itself, but he said it’s only got harder over the years. “I usually go out the night before, but I won’t be doing that this year,” he said.
“What’s important to me is finishing it and raising the money for the kids.
“They can’t do it for themselves and I want all kids to have a good start in life,” he added.
Click here to donate to Kevin’s fundraising page.
Hanaa Bengtsson El Mchrafi, also from Bermondsey, is running her first-ever marathon, after living above it for 17 years.
The 46-year-old from Bermondsey only started running four months ago but explained it has helped her through menopause.
“I really struggled at the start – and I want to raise awareness about it too for all the women who feel alone,” she said.
Despite being new to running, she has been a spectator for a long time and said she’s excited to finally be taking part: “I can’t wait. I’ve lived directly above the race for 17 years – so now it’s my time to do it.
She is running for Time and Talents. “I wanted to do something community-based, and this charity is close to my heart.
“They do so much for people in the area.”
Click here to donate to Hanaa’s fundraising page.
Millwall boss is running for the second time, in memory of a fan.
“Last year was my first time running it and it was incredible,” said the 50-year-old from Walworth.
David Lock, from Greenwich, is running for Evelina less than a week after running the Boston Marathon.
The 35-year-old said he was meant to run the London marathon to raise money for Evelina in October 2022 but had to defer his place to this year after getting injured.
He and his wife experienced first-hand the care within the Evelina NICU unit when their daughter Abigail was born 6 weeks premature and required medical care.
David was already registered to run the Boston Marathon as part of his ambition to run the six World Marathon Majors so has ended up doing the two marathons in less than a week.
He told the News: “Boston was an amazing experience, it was very well supported but a tough course and it was hilly. I’m now really looking forward to London and running for the Evelina.”
His daughter, Abigail, is now almost four years old and has been completely discharged.
David said: “She had a difficult start but she’s now completely healthy and is a happy little girl.”
Click here to donate to David’s fundraising page.
Professional racing driver, Harry Tincknell is running for Bermondsey-based charity Bede House.
Harry, 31, who lives in Wandsworth, is no stranger to a race – but this time he’ll be without his trusted four-wheels as he attempts his first London Marathon.
He’s running for Bede House, a charity that meets the needs of vulnerable groups across Southwark. “My fiancé works with people with additional needs and we went down to see the charity – they do amazing work.
In 2014, he won Le Mans for his category – and races in the world endurance championships for Porsche.
He’s aiming to raise £5,000 for the charity and said he’s determined to use his connections for good.
Click here to donate to Harry’s fundraising page.
The London Marathon kicks off at 10 am from Greenwich Park, Blackheath on Sunday 23rd April.