Mark | London Marathon 2026

With the London Marathon just days away, thousands of runners will be taking on 26.2 miles through the capital – each for their own very personal reason.

We’re incredibly proud of the runners who are part of #TeamCHSF this year, and are pulling on their trainers to raise vital funds for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.

Meet Mark dad to heart hero Frankie…

What made you choose to run the London Marathon for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund?

“Our son Frankie was diagnosed with a heart condition in 2017, and in 2020 (right in the middle of COVID) he had to undergo open heart surgery. It was the scariest time our family has ever been through.

 

“Running the London Marathon is my way of giving something back. When you sit in a hospital waiting room while your child is in surgery, you realise how important the support around heart families is. If running 26.2 miles can help raise money to support other families going through that experience, it feels like the least I can do.”

Can you share a little bit more about your connection to CHSF?

“Frankie had major heart surgery in 2020. Watching your child being taken into theatre for open heart surgery is something you never forget.

 

“Those hours waiting were incredibly hard, but the care and support around heart families makes such a difference. Today Frankie is doing amazingly well – full of energy and personality – and seeing him thrive is something we’ll never take for granted.

 

“That’s why this cause means so much to our family.”

How has your marathon training gone so far?

“Training has been an adventure in more ways than one.

 

“Because I travel quite a bit, my runs have taken me to some pretty different places — from early morning runs in London, to squeezing in miles in the Florida heat in Tampa, to getting out along the coast while in Spain. It’s been a great way to see places from a different perspective, even if sometimes it means running very early to beat the heat or the crowds.

 

“One of the more memorable moments was when I managed to get completely lost on what was supposed to be a routine run. What started as a planned route quickly turned into an unplanned extra few kilometres while I tried to figure out where I actually was. At the time it wasn’t ideal, but looking back it’s part of the fun of marathon training – sometimes you just have to keep running until you find your way home.

 

“Overall it’s been a mix of great runs, tough runs, and a few unexpected detours, but every mile gets me a little closer to the start line in London.”

What’s been the most rewarding part of training? What’s been the most difficult part?

“The most rewarding part has definitely been having my kids cheer me on. Seeing them get excited about the training and asking how the runs went has been really motivating.

 

“It’s also been great to see the physical progress – dropping some of that extra weight and feeling myself getting stronger and a little faster each week. Those small improvements really add up over time.

 

“The hardest part is simply finding the time to fit the training in around everything else going on in life. But the funny thing is that once I get out the door and start running, it usually becomes the most rewarding part of the day.”

What does supporting CHSF mean to you?

“It means helping families who are going through one of the most frightening moments of their lives. When your child needs heart surgery, the world suddenly feels very uncertain.

 

“Knowing there’s support around you – emotional, practical, and medical – matters more than people realise. If I can help provide that support for even a few families, it’s worth every mile.”

Is there anything you’d like to say to the people who’ve supported or sponsored you?

“Just a huge thank you. Every donation, message, and bit of encouragement means a lot to us. It’s not just supporting a marathon run, it’s supporting families who are facing incredibly tough situations. We’re really grateful.”

And finally, what’s your go-to motivational running song?

“It has to be Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowie! It feels fitting in more ways than one. The build-up, the message, the reminder that even under pressure you keep going… it mirrors marathon training (and life) perfectly.

 

“And when I need an extra surge of energy, it’s Thunderstruck by AC/DC. If that opening riff doesn’t make you pick up the pace, nothing will. Perfect for the final miles!”

A huge thank you to all our #TeamCHSF 2026 London Marathon runners!

We’re so proud of every single one of you and wish you the very best of luck on race day.