My London Marathon Journey: Inspiring Couch to 26.2 Miles for Wessex Cancer Support
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UPDATE: Thursday 12 March 2026
We have hit £5000! A huge thank you to the 170 amazing donors who have supported by London Marathon challenge so far. Your generosity helped us reach £2,500, unlocking an incredible £2,500 in match funding from WightFibre.
The goal of this London Marathon fundraiser is to raise £25,000 for Wessex Cancer Support — a charity supporting local people living with cancer on the Isle of Wight.
Every donation brings us one step closer to our target and provides vital support for Islanders affected by cancer.
To donate click here 2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com
On Sunday, 26th April 2026, I’ll be joining #TeamWessex to take on the iconic London Marathon — my first ever marathon. Couch to marathon… let’s gooooo! 🎉
But this challenge isn’t just about running. It’s about giving back to a charity that means an incredible amount to so many people across the Isle of Wight.
Why This Marathon Matters to Me
Cancer has become deeply personal for most of us. With the current 1 in 2 statistic, the chances are high that we or someone we love will face this disease. My family is no exception. I’ve lost loved ones to cancer, and both my father and sister are currently in remission from different forms of cancer.
So when it came to choosing a charity to support, Wessex Cancer Support on the Isle of Wight was a meaningful choice. Their mission, to support local people living with cancer, hits home for me. If I ever face cancer myself, I hope I’ll be able to rely on the same support they’ve provided to countless others in our community.
This marathon gives me the opportunity to give something back to a charity that helps local families during some of the most difficult times in their lives. Every mile I run is dedicated to supporting that important work.
How My Health Journey Led to a Marathon
Running a marathon was never on my bucket list. In fact, if you’d asked me a couple of years ago, I’d have laughed at the idea. But life changes.
Over the past 15 months, I’ve been on a major weight-loss and wellbeing journey, losing over 40kg / 6 stone / 88lbs (and yes, I still never know which unit people prefer!). That journey has reshaped my life physically, mentally and emotionally. Now it’s time to turn that progress into long-term health and fitness.
Taking on a marathon feels like the natural next step. Training for a marathon has given me a new challenge, a clear goal and an opportunity to continue improving my health and wellbeing.
And what better (or more terrifying!) way to kick off the next chapter than by taking on a marathon?
Proudly Supported by WightFibre
I’m incredibly grateful to have the support of WightFibre, and a huge shout-out to John Irvine, our CEO, for backing this challenge.
Together, we’re aiming to raise £25,000 for Wessex Cancer Support as part of WightFibre’s celebration of 25 Years of Connections on the Isle of Wight. WightFibre is also very generously match-funding the first £5000 we raise!
That’s where you come in.
Every donation not only supports Wessex Cancer Support but also helps motivate me throughout this marathon journey. Knowing that local people will benefit from the funds raised makes every early morning run and every training session worthwhile.
Help Us Make a Real Difference
Your support will mean the world to me and will directly help people on the Isle of Wight who are going through some of the toughest moments of their lives.
Whether you’re supporting this marathon through a donation, sharing this page or simply offering words of encouragement, every contribution helps us move closer to our £25,000 target and helps Wessex Cancer Support continue its invaluable work.
Let’s do this together. 💛
Thank you so much,
Deon
TO DONATE FOLLOW THIS LINK OR CLICK ON THE QR CODE
