In case you missed the campaign, our amazing CEO, Jakie, achieved a lifetime ambition of running the London Marathon and raised an incredible £7.5k for our charity. Here are her notes from a journey of determination and resilience that would inspire anybody:
“For those who know me, you will know I am far more comfortable talking about other people than I am about myself. But this felt different. This was a reason to step outside my comfort zone.
This was about purpose.
In December 2024, the year I tragically lost my mum, I was fortunate enough to secure a charity ballot place in the TCS London Marathon for Children’s Sailing Trust (having entered the ballot on numerous occasions). It was something I had always wanted to do but never truly believed would happen.
And then came the wait.
By November 2025, training finally began. After nearly a year of anticipation, the journey towards a lifetime ambition was underway.
At the time, I knew it would push me physically, but I don’t think I fully appreciated just how much it would test me mentally too.”
A Journey That Started with Purpose
“My training began during a particularly emotional time. It should have been my mum’s 80th birthday – a milestone we never got to celebrate. That first long run felt heavy in more ways than one, but it also gave me clarity.
This marathon was never just about 26.2 miles.
Leading Children’s Sailing Trust fills me with immense pride. Every day, I see the impact – the confidence, resilience and joy that comes from giving young people opportunities on the water. This challenge became my way of giving something back to that mission.”
Setbacks, Frustration and Reset
“Not long into training, things didn’t go to plan.
In December, I was forced to stop completely due to severe knee pain. The diagnosis – arthritic knees – was not what I wanted to hear. Being told to pause, just as I was building momentum, was incredibly difficult.
So, I had no choice but to reset.
For three weeks over Christmas, there was no running – just rest, recovery and strengthening exercises. Mentally, this was one of the hardest parts of the journey. Watching perfect winter training days pass by while standing still was frustrating, to say the least.
But slowly, I started again. A walk. A gentle 5k. Then hours on the treadmill.”
The Long Miles (Mostly Staring at a Wall)
“Much of my training happened indoors.
There is nothing particularly inspiring about running for nearly three hours staring at a wall – but those miles became the foundation of everything. Discipline, patience and determination took over. Small wins became everything: a pain-free run, an extra kilometre, getting through a session without setbacks.
And yes – a lot of Robbie Williams music helped along the way!
By February, I reached a turning point. A pain-free 10k. Then my first outdoor run in over two months.”
Back Outside and Building Again
“That first run back outside was slow and steady, but it felt like progress.
From there, things began to build. Longer runs along the Cornish coast, early morning 10ks and moments of reflection along familiar routes – including running past my local primary school, where my own journey of giving back to the community first began.
Each step reinforced why I had started.
This was about creating opportunities for young people – particularly those who might not otherwise have access to the water, despite living so close to it.”
The Final Weeks: The Real Challenge
“As marathon day approached, the physical challenge was expected but the mental challenge became the real test.
Even during tapering, I didn’t feel fresh. I felt tired, achy and at times, doubtful. But whenever things felt tough, I came back to the reason behind it all.
This was bigger than me.
Children’s Sailing Trust exists to break down barriers and create life-changing opportunities for young people. That thought carried me through the hardest moments.”
Marathon Weekend: Doubt to Determination
“The day before the marathon was far from ideal.
Plantar fasciitis flared up badly and despite trying to rest, I spent over seven hours on my feet with race preparations.
By the evening, confidence was low.
Race morning brought just 3.5 hours of sleep and a bold decision: I removed my running shoe plantar insoles. Not recommended, but it felt more comfortable.
Standing at the start line, surrounded by thousands of runners from all over the world, I focused on one thing – just getting going.”
The Race: One Mile at a Time
“The atmosphere was everything people say it is and more.
I took the first 5k very steady, managing the pain and soaking it all in. The crowds were incredible – constant support, energy and encouragement. Not a moment went by without someone cheering my name!
The first half went well. Tower Bridge was a highlight as everyone says although that was also where my phone died, along with my battery back up, leaving me with no sense of pace, time or distance beyond the course markers.
From that point on, I ran on instinct.
I focused on fuelling, hydration and simply keeping moving forward.
At 30k, I entered completely unknown territory. I had never run further than that before. That is when the mental strength really kicked in.
I thought about my mum a lot during those miles – her determination, her encouragement. ‘Kick on’ became my mantra – from my Pony Club competing days!
The final miles felt long – very long – but with two miles to go I picked up the pace and fixed my eyes on the finish.
I don’t remember seeing the major landmarks at the end – Big Ben, Buckingham Palace – they passed in a blur. I had one focus – the finish line.
And then, suddenly, it was there.”
The Finish Line
“I crossed the line having run the entire way (something I had not achieved on my training runs).
Relief. Pride. Exhaustion. A huge sense of ‘I actually did it.’
No idea what time I had done. No phone. No stats. Just the moment.
Medal collected. Shoes off. Feet throbbing. Sitting up against a tree in St James’ Park trying to process the last six months.
Mission accomplished.”
Looking Back
“Two days later, I was tired – very tired – but surprisingly not in pain. Walking fine. Reflecting on what had been one of the biggest personal challenges I have ever taken on.
Would I do it again? No.
Am I glad I did it? Absolutely.
This was never just about running a marathon. It was about resilience, purpose and pushing through when things don’t go to plan.
Most importantly, it was about raising funds and awareness for a cause that changes lives and that made every single step worth it.
To everyone who sponsored me, encouraged me, sent messages, tracked my progress, or simply believed I could get to the finish line – thank you. Your support carried me through the difficult miles more than you will probably ever realise.
Every donation will help Children’s Sailing Trust continue providing life-changing opportunities for children and young people, helping them build confidence, resilience, friendships and skills that stay with them long after they leave the water.
Knowing that this challenge could help make a difference to young lives gave every step a purpose.
Thank you for being part of the journey with me – it truly made every mile worthwhile.”
