The 44th London Marathon is just around the corner, taking place on Sunday, 27 April 2025. A number of Old Hymerians will be lacing up their running shoes to take part in this iconic event. As more inspiring stories emerge about our participants, we’ll be updating this article to share their journeys and achievements. 

Jim Aldred OH (1993-2000) will be taking part to raise money for RNIB, his giving page can be found at; Jim's Giving Page

I only started running seriously in July 2023 but seem to have caught the bug, and when I decided to run the London Marathon it felt like an eye charity was the obvious choice.

My dad has had deteriorating eye-sight for my whole life, to the point where he now struggles to see much at all. In 2010 I was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour on my right retina which required surgery and radiotherapy, leaving me with limited vision in that eye.

The RNIB does some great work in supporting blind and partially sighted people and I'm excited to be taking on this amazing challenge in aid of this great charity.

Jacqueline Lythe (1998-2005) 

Jackie was lucky enough to recieve a ballot place after trying for 12 years to gain a place. She is running this as a personal challenge, having run for charity back in 2012. 

Remarkably, I have actually got a ballot place in the marathon this year! Which is quite something as I’ve tried for 12 years to get one since I ran in 2012! 

When I ran the London marathon in 2012 for Alzheimer’s Uk, I was starting running from total scratch and really just finishing felt like a major achievement. 

I have a very sporty husband and children, who have competed in the Yorkshire biathle several times at Hymers! They have inspired me to take on bigger sporting challenges, so this year I would love to get a PB in the marathon. 

Roma Denetto OH (2004--2014) Roma's Just Giving Page

This year, I am honoured to be running London Marathon for Queen's Park Harriers. Since joining the club in 2023, I've found the community I've been craving in a city that can feel quite lonely at times, and it has given me the confidence to do things that I wouldn't have been able to imagine a few years ago.

With a club spot, there is no obligation to fundraise for a particular charity, however it wouldn't feel right to run in the world's biggest charity marathon and not try to raise money for one that is close to my heart.

Through working for Age UK Camden, I have seen first-hand the difference that a local charity can make to the lives of many, including my own as an employee. Whilst the charity uses the branding of well-known charity Age UK, as a local partner serving just the borough of Camden, it is responsible for raising all its own funds (this is the same for all local Age UKs across the country). In the current climate, this is becoming increasingly challenging, so I have chosen Age UK Camden as my charity of choice for those who wish to sponsor me as I take on my first world major marathon. 

Jack Wildsmith OH (1998-2008) 

Jack is running in to raise awareness of Alzeimers and is on a mission to beat his 2018 race time! Jack's Just Giving

In 2023 my dad (Peter Wildsmith, OH 1958-69) was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and I want to do something to raise awareness of the charity working extremely hard to find a cure for this dreadful disease. Training with a young family is difficult but I am finding time to get the long runs in (currently at 18miles) and hope to hit my target of 4 hours or to at least beat my 2018 London Marathon time of 4hrs47! 

Chris Corbett OH 2001-11 will be taking part in the marathon as part of a bigger challenge for Oakwood dog rescue, where he will run nearly 66 miles in 2 weeks! 

Richard Barlow, OH 1976-77

Richard will be running in memory of his Son Dylan and to raise funds for Young Minds, the UK's leading charity championing well-being and mental health in children and young people. In 2022 Richard and his family lost Dylan to suicide and wants to run to help other families from experiencing the same suffering. 

We wish all the particpants the best of luck with and we'll update you with their results!

Related articles;

• Running for Young Minds
• Running for Alzheimer's