We have decided to run the 2024 London marathon as a husband and wife team in support of 2 amazing charities. Claire is running for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and James is running for the British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association (BLESMA). We would be hugely grateful for any donation - even the smallest amounts will make a huge difference.

Claire's story:

I will be taking on the biggest physical challenge of my life, joining the 0.01% of the population by attempting to run my first ever Marathon! I am running for GOSH - an amazing charity which helps support and change the lives of the children and families seen at the hospital everyday.

Most of you know that I'm not a natural runner (yet!) but I do keep trying! My longest run to date is 10K, so I am not quite sure if I am brave or crazy, but I'm hoping my determination, stubbornness and lots of support along the way will get me to the finishing line!

James's story:

I am running for Blesma to honour the memory of my late grandfather Eric Baxendale. My grandfather lost his lower left arm in France during the second world war and became an active member of the Croydon branch of Blesma and the Royal British Legion. In July 1963 my grandfather was one of ten team members representing Blesma in the first ever international sports meeting for amputees held in Linz, winning 2 gold medals (for throwing a cricket ball and javelin). My grandfather was an amazing man and was one of the first men to have a prosthetic arm. He did not let his disability stop him from leading a full life and I look back with great fondness of the time I had with him. I want to honour his memory.