This weekend, a team of runners are taking on all 26.2 miles of the Virgin Money London Marathon after months of training and dedicated fundraising for the children, young people and families we work with.

Find out more about some of the runners below:

Soraya
“Hi there, I’m Soraya (or Raya to my friends and family).

I have been running for around eight years, it helps to clear my head and keep me fit, it’s great for the mind and body.

I have chosen to raise money for Kids Inspire because the work they do for children and young people is invaluable. I was particularly moved when I read that their premises had been broken into and vandalised earlier this year.

I am planning a raffle and a sweepstake to guess my finish time as well as a baking competition at my place of work, to raise funds. I'm pleased to have something positive to focus on after all the lockdowns and restrictions brought on by COVID-19 and it’s an honour to run for Kids Inspire”

Claire

“Hello, I’m Claire.

I love exercising, especially running and wanted a challenge. I always said if I got in through the ballot, then it was a sign! I have always wanted to tick it off my bucket list.

Running makes me feel very calm, it completely clears my head of any day to day worries that I might have and leaves me ready to get on with the day.

I have always wanted to do more for Kids Inspire if I could and now I have the chance. I have already raised £1500 and that figure is only going to get bigger.

On the back of COVID-19 last year, it highlighted to me what a fantastic job Kids Inspire do for youngsters. It also made me realise how precious life is, so to make the most of every minute.”

Robert

“Hello, I’m Robert.

I work for a great Chelmsford based company, DB Scaffolding and through them have been made aware of how much Kids Inspire do for the local community and beyond, which is wonderful to see.

After the day to day pressure and stresses of life, I find running helps me relax and is good for my mental health and wellbeing.

Seeing all the great work Kids Inspire do and have continued to do in difficult circumstances during the pandemic, I wanted to do something positive and give something back.”

Thank you to all of our runners. If you are inspired by the stories above, why not take on your own challenge event? Find inspiration here