Luke’s story
Ever since I was a young child, I've been into athletics, especially middle and long-distance running. Being built like one myself, I identified with the skinny physique of these athletes. My earliest involvement with the London Marathon was as a volunteer at a hydration station in Greenwich from ages 8 to 12. This experience put the idea in my mind that I had to run the London Marathon one day. As an adult, I attempted to enter several times without success, and then life's other responsibilities got in the way, pushing any London Marathon aspirations far into the future.
In 2021, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer, requiring surgery to remove the tumour. Facing this health scare made me acutely aware of how precious our time is and reignited my determination to run the London Marathon.
London Marathon 2022
After my surgery, I focused on recovery with the goal of participating in the next marathon, which was 11 months away. Despite not getting a ballot place, I secured a spot through Bowel Cancer UK, an organisation close to my heart due to my recent surgery and the amazing support they give to people like me. Running the marathon less than a year after major surgery was challenging but incredibly rewarding and a dream fulfilled.
Just a short while after finishing my first London Marathon, I entered the ballot for the 2023 race, which coincidentally fell on Matt Palmer's birthday. It felt like fate, and I hoped to run in his memory for the Matt Palmer Trust. Although I didn't get in through the main ballot, a second chance through a charity ballot gave me the spot I so badly wanted.
London Marathon 2023
Running on Matt's birthday and representing the Matt Palmer Trust was an honour. It was particularly meaningful to see Matt's parents, Jan and Nigel, after the race, and to contribute positively to Matt's amazing legacy.
I finished in 4 hours and 10 seconds, a personal best, though just shy of breaking the 4-hour mark. Once again and just a short while after finishing, I applied for the 2024 marathon and was lucky enough to secure a place through the charity ballot once again.
London Marathon 2024
Training has been going well, despite some knee pain that has slowed the training down a bit. Staying fit has definitely proved easier than getting fit.
This year, I'm not setting a fundraising target due to the tough financial climate, but any donations to the Matt Palmer Trust will be deeply appreciated. The trust currently focuses on funding Mental Health First Aid training, a cause that I believe in passionately as it plays a vital part in helping people get help early. With the skills and confidence the training gives you can spot and support someone who is experiencing a mental health challenge.
I invite anyone interested to consider becoming a Mental Health First Aider, with details of the free courses available on the Matt Palmer Trust website.
This run is dedicated to Matt, once more.
Fundraising Targets
All funds raised will be passed to the charity irrespective of whether my target is reached, not reached or exceeded.
Payment Security
In meeting its regulatory obligations, Wonderful does not permit (and will remove) any payment transfer details added by charities or fundraisers to charity fundraising pages. For your own financial protection, when donating to a charity on Wonderful.org, ONLY use the Donate button.
