Meet an inspiring group of Old Stortfordians who are gearing up to tackle the iconic 2025 London Marathon, each with a unique story and a shared commitment to causes they feel passionate about. These extraordinary OS exemplify the power of dedication and compassion, transforming their marathon journey into a force for good, one stride at a time.

If you are in a position to help support these valiant fundraising efforts, please click the relevant links for more information & wishing all the intrepid runners a smooth journey through their marathon training.

Vanessa Sharman (PP, NH,BH, 98-12) 

https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/vanessa-sharman#qrCode

‘Time to put on the thermal leggings and woolly gloves and start my training for the London Marathon  I will be running for Parkinson's UK, a charity very close to my and my family’s hearts.

This year, I'm taking on the challenge of running the London Marathon in support of Parkinson's UK in memory of my Grandpa, Jim Sharman, and my Great Granny, Betty Sharman, who both lived with Parkinson's disease.

Please donate if you can - no matter how small, every donation will be greatly appreciated and will support the vital work that Parkinson’s UK does.’

Will Moore (PP, GH,RPH, 01-14)

https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/william-moore

'As some fellow Old Stortfordians know, in 2014 my younger brother Charlie (PP, GH,RPH, 01-13) was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of just 17.

Over the months that followed the diagnosis, Charlie went through an operation, rounds of chemo, copious amounts of blood tests, hours spent sitting in hospital beds and days of feeling awful. Watching your little brother go through all that was horrible, but I am so incredibly proud of him, nothing short of heroic.

2025 marks 10 years since Charlie got the all clear, and what better way to mark the decade than putting myself through the ringer with a 26.2 mile waddle. Not exactly built for running, it is certainly going to be difficult, but nothing compared to what families who are affected by cancer go through on a daily basis.'

The nurses and doctors are also heroes, every one of them. And then there's the charity they are phenomenal in providing specialist support to young patients and their families through such challenging times. 

Gemma Terry (BH, 04-06)

https://www.justgiving.com/page/gemma-terry-111287

'I am running the London Marathon 2025 in aid of Cats Protection and in special memory of my two beloved cats, Hugo and Tabitha, who are sadly no longer here.

I am a big animal lover and have family who have rehomed cats, enabling me to witness firsthand how many cats desperately need help. Your kind support will help cats and kittens in the care of Cats Protection branches and centres until they find their forever home.

It will be a huge personal achievement to run the London Marathon (I am terrified!) and it would mean so much that my efforts will help dozens of cats in real need.

Any donation, however small, will be so helpful and very, very gratefully received.'

George Burton (MJH, CH, 01-08)

https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/george-burton

https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/sophia-burton-8bd1e

George and his wife Sophia are running their first marathon in 2025 for charities that they are both hugely passionate about. George is running for Breast Cancer Now, a charity that is very important to both his and Sophia's families, as his Mum and Nan-in-law have both been diagnosed with the disease in the past. Both are doing well now but continue to live with the effects of their diagnosis and treatment. Breast Cancer Now is an amazing charity that supports patients with their diagnosis and treatment while undertaking research in the hope that by 2050, every diagnosis of breast cancer will be treatable. George feels very privileged to run for them.

Sophia is running for Blue Cross, a charity close to her heart. She has always been an animal person, and her family has a history of rescuing and looking after animals. Blue Cross is a wonderful charity that finds homes for pets and provides them with food and veterinary services. They also provide support to bereaved owners who have lost a much-loved pet. The charity and Sophia are a natural fit.

Mat Weeks (MJH, SuH, 87-95)

https://www.justgiving.com/page/matthew-weeks-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

‘I was at school with Stuart Bevan (MJH,SH, 84-95), who sadly died too young of a brain tumour in 2023. With the permission of his mother, I will be raising money in his name through London Marathon sponsorship. It would be great to raise some funds for 'Brain Tumour Research'. It is such an important charity because there is so much yet to find out about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours. 

If you feel able to sponsor me via the link above, it would be much appreciated’

If you are an Old Stortfordian running a marathon or undertaking a different fundraising challenge, the Development Team would love to hear about it & share your story with the Stortfordian community - please get in touch with Jennifer Law at Foundation@bishopsstortfordcollege.org