Pounding the pavements for Pied Piper
Gloucester, UK — A local couple from Gloucester are proving that you don’t need to be a seasoned athlete to take on one of the world’s biggest endurance events. Paul and Kelly are preparing to run the London Marathon, raising funds for two local, impactful Gloucestershire charities that support children and young people with additional needs.
Despite both being relatively new to running, the pair have spent the past several months training through winter conditions, steadily building their endurance from scratch to marathon readiness.
Paul, who has faced a long history of injuries including plantar, knee, ankle, and calf issues, describes his journey as a fresh start. “I’ve had to overcome a lot physically over the years, so this really is me starting again from zero,” he said. “Taking on a marathon felt like the perfect way to challenge myself while supporting an incredible local charity.”
Paul is fundraising for The Spring Centre, a Gloucester-based organisation that provides vital support for children and young adults with additional needs and disabilities, helping to enhance their quality of life.
Kelly works as office manager at the Pied Piper Appeal and had never run further than 10km before securing a place in the marathon ballot. “When I found out I got in, it felt like a huge opportunity I couldn’t ignore,” she said. “It’s definitely a mammoth challenge for me, but I wanted to use it to give back.”
She is raising funds for Pied Piper, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of sick and disabled children across Gloucestershire.
Since beginning their training in September, the couple have embraced the challenge braving difficult winter conditions and taking part in several events to build experience and confidence. Their journey has included the Gloucester Santa Fun Run (which saw them running home dressed as Santa), the Bath Two Tunnels Half Marathon, and the Gloucester Half Marathon. They have recently completed a 20-mile training run and are now entering the final taper phase ahead of race day.
Their message to others is simple: with determination and consistency, anyone can take on a challenge like this.
Both runners are encouraging the community to support their fundraising efforts and help raise awareness for smaller charities that make a significant difference locally.
“We’re not elite runners,” they said. “We’re just ordinary people who decided to try something difficult—and hopefully inspire others to do the same, especially if it means supporting important local causes. Thanks for supporting us.”
Also running for Pied Piper is Dom Sheahan from the Mortgage Branch who is hoping for a sub 4 hours result and Karen Long.
Good luck to all and have a great race!
To support Paul & Kelly on their Marathon journey:
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