Tom G's story

"So from the beginning, my dad passed away on the 26th April 2023. The next few months were a bit of a blur, but I remember going to get myself checked out at the doctors as I had a bit of health anxiety after it. They found I had very high cholesterol and gave me a few months to try and get it down before they put me on statins. This was the start of 2024 and I knew I needed to change.

I was always sporty growing up, which allowed me to eat and drink what I liked, but after university (graduated 2020) I had stopped pretty much everything and continued to eat and drink what I liked. Fast forward to the start of 2024 I was adamant I was not going on statins at my age and so knew I needed to overhaul my lifestyle. My now wife had a PT called Diana, who I signed myself up with. We overhauled my diet, came up with a running and strength plan, and by April I had got my cholesterol down to normal levels and was discharged. I continued my running and did my first marathon that October."

Since then, I have been hooked, mentally it gives me something positive to focus on and helps me clear my head. I’ve since made lots of friends with Rochester Run Collective who will be there supporting me on the day! My other inspiration was my Uncle Paul and Auntie Lou. I’ve always admired them but never thought I could do what they do in terms of running. They helped me when I first got into running to train the right way. They were there for my first marathon surprising me after my first lap, the weather was so bad I couldn’t make out who was screaming “come on Thomas” but by the time I got closer I knew who it was, they really got me through that day.

We then did Helsinki marathon together last May (2025). Sadly, on the day I found out I got my place for London we found out that Paul had passed away in Australia while they were watching the British and Irish Lions Tour. It was devastating to lose someone else so close to me, but it also gave me more reason to continue my running and try to make something good of it all."

"During my dad’s short time at Darent Valley Hospital, the staff were incredible. Especially the ICU staff. They answered every question, keeping our welfare in mind while still being informative. They made us all as comfy as possible while having one of the hardest jobs in the hospital. I’ve never really been able to say a proper thank you, things move so quickly and before you know it, you’re out of there. Knowing the money raised goes to support people like them have easier lives is what makes all this worth it. And I’m proud to put on that race vest on Sunday 26th to support them like they supported me! "

"I remember going into London to watch my uncle Paul race the London Marathon. I thought that day I’d love to go and do that, but growing up it always felt so unattainable. I was in awe of anyone who managed it. After I picked up running and got fitter and stronger it became more possible for me, and after completing my first in 2024 I had a new sense of possibilities of what I could achieve. I have since done a couple ultra marathons and Helsinki marathon and can’t seem to stop! I always join the ballot for London, I think every runner does! But with the date being the same as the 3 year anniversary of my dad’s passing, I thought it was time to do something special. I found the NHS Charities Together charity page and looked into what they did, I knew they were the charity for me. I was so lucky to be selected and hope I do them proud."

"If I could do one job it would be professional running event spectator. What a buzz seeing people achieve their dreams, and such a range of people and stories. Some shaving seconds off a PB, some doing their first event and some raising incredible amounts for charities. Seeing the crowds in person filled me with anticipation for London. I can’t wait to feed off that energy. Hopefully raising awareness for this wonderful charity and get some more donations."

"I’d say whatever your experience find a good plan to suit you. I’ve been lucky enough for this to be my 5th event either doing marathon distance or over. But my plans have changed wildly for each. My first one I focused a lot on consistency building up my mileage slowly over a longer period of time. Having less big long runs at the end as I was only a year into running.

Now over two years in I could do a lot more weekly miles and a lot more long runs. But that’s only because my body has adapted. If I did that for my first one, I’d have ended up injured! So be honest with whoever/ whatever comes up with your training plan in terms of your experience, and stick to it! But no matter what plan you do, please EAT and SLEEP. Eating and sleeping are so important. If you don’t fuel properly your body won’t have the nutrients to recover and if you don’t sleep properly your body won’t have time to recover. I have really focused on these this year and it has enabled me to do way more training without getting seriously hurt.

Marathon training is all about recovering! That is what takes up a lot of time and unfortunately not going out to a lot of social events, but that is the sacrifice you sign up for! The last thing is believe in yourself. Over the 400 or so miles you’ll do in training doubts will creep in, little niggles, worries and so on. These are all normal, and even the best in the world have doubts. Trust your training and remember why you’re doing it. That’ll get you through when the going gets tough! And last but not least as one of my heroes Andy Glaze says –‘ Smile or you’re doing it wrong’."