In 2014, my dad had a major stroke. In 2026, I’m running the London Marathon for him, and for every family affected by stroke.
I joined #TeamStroke for the 2026 TCS London Marathon because this cause is deeply personal to me.
In 2014, my dad had a major stroke. I was just 13 at the time, and it turned my family's world upside down. Since then, I’ve seen just how tough life after stroke can be – not just for the person affected, but for the whole family.
There are over 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK, with 100,000 strokes happening every year. That’s one every five minutes. The Stroke Association is there to help people rebuild their lives after stroke, and I’m running to support that mission.
By donating, you’re helping fund vital services, life-changing research, and campaigns that push for better stroke care across the UK. Your support means more than you know – thank you.
My Achievements
Fundraising page set up
Added a profile pic
Made a donation
Shared your page
Hit first milestone
Hit second milestone
Reached 50% of target
Hit final milestone
Reached fundraising target
Week 1 of 39 – Marathon Training Has Begun!
Saturday 2nd AugI’ve just wrapped up the very first week of my 39-week training plan for the 2026 London Marathon, and I’m feeling inspired and ready for the journey ahead.
This week I completed 2 runs and 5 strength sessions. It’s only the beginning, but I’m excited for what’s to come, and proud to be raising vital funds for the Stroke Association along the way.
This cause means everything to me because of my dad’s stroke back in 2014. Training with this purpose means motivation is never an issue – every session feels like it’s contributing to something bigger.
Thank you to everyone who’s already supported me. Your encouragement and donations genuinely mean more than I can put into words.
Here’s to week 2 and all the progress, challenges, and milestones still to come. Let’s do this!
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Why I’m Running the London Marathon for the Stroke Association
Tuesday 1st JulIn 2014, my dad had a major stroke. I was just 13.
It was a moment that changed everything overnight – for him, for me, and for my family. We were lucky. My dad survived. But life didn’t just go back to normal. Hospitals, rehab, worry, hope. I saw up close how devastating a stroke can be, not just physically, but emotionally. Recovery doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. In many ways, it’s just beginning.
More than a decade on, that experience still shapes me. It’s one of the reasons I’ve chosen to study physiotherapy. I want to help people rebuild their lives, just like my dad had to.
That’s why running the 2026 London Marathon for the Stroke Association means everything to me. It’s not just a race. It’s a tribute to my dad. It’s a way to give back to a charity that does incredible work supporting stroke survivors and their families. It’s also a personal challenge, something I know I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
There are over 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK, and every five minutes, someone else is affected. The Stroke Association helps ensure no one has to face that journey alone, but they rely on donations to do it.
If you’re able to support me on this journey, I’d be incredibly grateful. Every pound helps make a real difference.
Thank you for reading. And thank you for being part of this.
Dan
ShareThank you to my sponsors
£265
Neill And Amanda Brown
£106
James Brown
Best wishes and keep training.
£103.60
Kay & Martin
Fantastic cause Dan, well done!! Very proud of you xx
£103.60
Terence And Pauline Taylor
Good on you Dan!
£100
Alan And Cheryl
£100
Gwen Knight
Good on you, Dan! We’ll come to cheer you on! Love Gwen and Peter
£100
Jenny Brown
Proud sister moment! 🤩
£55.42
The Cladingboels
Wow so impressive and for such a good cause - go for it Dan!
£53.32
Beryl Touchard
Hi Dan, wishing you every success with the London Marathon 2026.Hope you achieve your goal. Beryl &JP
£52.72
Jamie Bee
Congrats mate! You got this! 🏃🏻♂️➡️
£50
The Boons
All the best Dan, great cause, and we'll watch on the telly next year!
£50
Dys Software Ltd- Sachin Babyrajan
I am really proud of you as you are running for a very good reason. I wish all the best for you and your father.
£50
Jack Turner
Proud of you Dan! You’ll smash the marathon 💪🏻 can’t wait to cheer you on
£32.23
Holly Callier
£30
Mel Allen
Best of luck ! Xx
£27.05
Allison Spray
Good luck
£27.05
Alex Knight-williams
£27.05
Jenny Ace
You’ll smash it Dan!
£27.05
Amanda Moxon
Fantastic Dan!
£27.05
Jacqueline Hydes
We believe in you Dan!
£27.05
Emlyn Brown
Go on bro 👊 💪
£27.05
Robert Brown
Good luck!
£25
Boony
Go and smash it 💪
£20
Jack And Jenny
Fantastic spin class Dan! Will defo feel that one tomorrow 😰
£16.20
Anonymous
The body achieves, what the mind believes. You are doing great Dan xx
£11.79
Ellie Gammon
I’ll be there cheering you on with Jenny!! You’re gonna smash it Dan x
£11.33
Brandy Bear
Dan is an absolute hero, what a legend!!
£11.33
Simon Linford
£11.33
Satah Akerman
Great cause, best wishes from Sarah and Julian
£11.33
Chloe
£11.33
Chloe Whiffen
£10
Saffron Gordon
£10
Grace
£10
Natalie Johnson
£10
Mark Whitworth
£10
Raych
Good luck!
£10
Henry Carr
Go on Dan 💪🏻
£10
Db
£10
Rebecca Cocker
£10
Angela Walbrook
£10
Matthew Mendel
Best of luck!
£7
So proud of you Dan x you will be amazing 🥰 lots of love from mum and dad xxx