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 Tizzie mum to heart hero Bram…
What made you choose to run the London Marathon for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund?
“I’m running for CHSF because they were part of saving my son’s life.
“When Bram was born, we were urgently sent from Grimsby hospital to Leeds Children’s Hospital where, after 24 hours, the hospital said they thought they could fix him.
“Bram needed open heart surgery at 10 weeks old as without that surgery he wouldn’t live. Those 10 weeks waiting for this appointment to come through were very long. Bram’s feeds took at hour for him to drink very little and had to be repeated every 2 hours.
“Following a massive 8 hour operation at 10 weeks old, surgeon Carin Van Doorn fixed our son and changed our lives forever. He went from a grey coloured very poorly baby to a pink glowing baby who could thrive and grow.
“He is now 12 years old and a determined, resilient, confident young man. I want to raise this money to say a very small thank you from us to them.”
Pictured: Bram as a baby, after open heart surgery at Leeds Children’s Hospital.
How has your marathon training gone so far?
“I’ve absolutely loved challenging myself. I am a runner and belong to a run club – Prep by Page – but this will be my second ever marathon. I am also running the Manchester Marathon the weekend before!
“Training has been a lot. From getting up in the dark to walk the dogs before running anything from 15-20km every Sunday morning, it has now become my norm.
“I am very proud of myself and when it gets tough I just think ‘if my son can go through what he did I can move my legs a bit longer and further.’“
What’s been the most rewarding part of training? What’s been the most difficult part?
“The PBs. In this training block I got a PB in Leeds 10K Abbey Dash and Scunthorpe Half Marathon but more than that I am proud of my tenacity, dedication to the cause and determination to succeed.
“The most difficult part is questioning if I can make it that far on the day without stopping and walking. But if I do it really doesn’t matter as this is about the money raised not my running.”
Is there anything you’d like to say to the people who’ve supported or sponsored you?
“I would like to shout out Frederick Gough Charities Committee and the school where I work in general. I raised £500 from friends and family and they have raised the rest. They have organised all sorts of different activities and really got behind me. This makes me very proud and incredibly grateful. I find trying to raise money very difficult whereas the Charittees Committee took the challenge and have absolutely run with it. This school is a very special place and I will be thinking of all of their amazing donations on the day.
“I’d also like a thank you to Ryan Page for the most incredible training plan and making me achieve things I never thought possible.
“Finally, the Silvesters: Troy, Gray and Bram – THANK YOU. It isn’t enough but you are the BEST and I love you.”
Do you have a goal for marathon day?
“Under 4 hours is the dream. 3.45 would be unreal. But just finishing and raising money for a charity that means so much to me and my family is the main goal.”
What does supporting CHSF mean to you?
“Everything. It is the least I can do.”
Where can people donate to your fundraising page?
https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/elizabeth-silvester
And finally, what’s your go-to motivational running song?
“Never Forget by Take That – this reminds me of my mum. Special songs make you move.”
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.
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