Christopher Arden

I will be running the Royal Parks Half Marathon 2025 on Sunday 12th October 2025 in memory of my Dad, Warren Arden.

Dad passed away suddenly on Tuesday 2nd July 2024 at the age of 61. We learned some weeks later that this had been caused by a stroke. It was a terrible shock that has left a permanent void in mine, the family and his friend’s lives. 

Dad was a kind, silly, sensitive and funny man. He was the biggest fan of The Jam and absolutely obsessed with his cricket. Whilst 34 years will never be enough time, I am fortunate to have lovely memories of Dad to look back on. Letting us stay up late to watch wrestling and hours playing on the Nintendo. Times visiting Auntie Connie in Somerset to Family Holidays in Portugal and Florida. Introducing me to our beloved Chelsea FC and being there every step of the way when I was at the University of Manchester. Making me feel as safe and supported as a fully grown adult as I did as a child.

Matthew, my brother, completed this year’s London Marathon, raising an incredible £5343 for Brain Research UK. Family and friends helped to raise £1524 for the Stroke Association last year. I will be running the Half Marathon with my good friend Joe, who is raising money for St Mungos. I would be so grateful if you could help me raise some more money for this fantastic charity. 

Below is from the Stroke Association on how they support people who survive strokes:

There are over 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK, with 100,000 strokes happening in the UK each year. That's one stroke every five minutes.

We're here to support people to rebuild their lives after stroke. We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke, so we work with the stroke community to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support. We rely on your support to provide vital services, campaign for better stroke care and fund research into preventative and rehabilitative treatments.