Run Rakesh Run!

Hello Everyone!!

It's that time again when I say I'm never running again but then go ahead and sign up - this time for 2 runs 3 weeks apart!!

I completed The London Landmarks Half Marathon on 2nd April 2023 (13.1 miles) in 2 hours and 37 minutes. Next up is the big one...….the London Marathon on 23rd April 2023 (26.2 miles).

It's been a tough training program, starting way back in October 2022, but so worth it, especially as I know I will be running to make a difference.

It was very tough choosing just one charity so I have decided to raise money for two, firstly The Royal Brompton and Harefield Charity and secondly Momentum.

The Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals are specialists in treating two of the world's biggest killers heart and lung disease. They provided amazing care and support to my father-in-law from the time of his diagnosis in 2019 right through his illness until he sadly passed away in March 2022. He had always wanted to give back to the fantastic ILD team at the Brompton and as he always supported me during all previous running events, I have chosen to give something back to this charity in his memory. I know if he was still here he would have been very proud of me even attempting this!

Manav, a very close family friend, beat cancer. With the support and strength of Momentum he stayed resilient, strong and brave. They were amazing throughout his days of treatment and I want to help give something back.

Here are a few words from Manav’s parents about how Momentum helped them.

“Momentum is a fantastic charity that helps children under 12 suffering from cancer.
When our son got diagnosed with cancer in 2019, momentum came forward to help us any which way they could.
From coming to the ward to check in with our son, to learning about his likes and dislikes and then bringing him magazines/comics, posters to playing on the PlayStation with him.
They were supporting and helping us any which way they could.
They are a small charity that do the most wonderful things for kids across Surrey.
The cost of living crisis has hit charities hard and smaller charities are suffering. Rakesh is a great family friend and him deciding to help this charity is such a wonderful gesture.
Every penny that can be given will be greatly received by them.

Sandy and Arun
Parents of superhero Manav and supporters of Momentum”

You can learn more about Momentum and The Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals using the links further down this page. The money raised will be split equally between both charities.

I just wanted to say thank you in advance for your support and donations. I hope to see some of you out cheering me on during both of the runs and I won't say no to Jelly Babies to keep me going. Please do forward this to family and friends. Let's make a difference together!!