Jon, a chef from the West Midlands, ran his first marathon to raise funds for Scoliosis Support & Research, inspired by his daughter Poppy, who was diagnosed with scoliosis before her first birthday. Battling the heat of the London Marathon, he raised over £3,000 for this important cause. In this episode, Jon shares his inspirational running story, the challenges of marathon training and race day, and the motivation behind running for charity fundraising. Perfect for runners, charity supporters, and anyone seeking a motivational first marathon journey.

If you'd like to follow in Jon's footsteps and run your next event for Scoliosis Support & Research, or you're interested in one of the charity's London Marathon entries, email Will fundraising@ssr.org.uk. Thank you.

To find out more about scoliosis head to https://ssr.org.uk

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 channels, one on training and fundraising, this one on runner stories and a third for members only. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.

PODCAST NOTES

• John runs the London Marathon for Scoliosis Support and Research.
• His daughter has undergone multiple surgeries for scoliosis.
• John's motivation is to make his daughter proud.
• He started training later than most due to life commitments.
• Community support played a crucial role in his training.
• He balanced training with family responsibilities.
• John's longest training run was 16 miles on a treadmill.
• He experienced both highs and lows during his training journey.
• Race week was hectic but filled with excitement.
• The adrenaline at the start of the marathon was overwhelming.

• "I just had to keep an eye on it."
• "I wanted to do it for the charity."
• "It's just adrenaline rush, think."

Melissa took a unique approach to marathon training in December, combining her training plan with innovative strategies that paid off on race day. With over £3,000 raised for charity, her fundraising approach was just as effective as her running preparation. Listen to Melissa share her London Marathon journey, her insights on training differently, and how she made her marathon experience truly unforgettable. Perfect for runners looking for marathon training tips, fundraising inspiration, and a motivational running story.

If you'd like to follow in Melissa's footsteps and run your next event for Scoliosis Support & Research, or you're interested in one of the charity's London Marathon entries, email Will fundraising@ssr.org.uk. Thank you. To find out more about scoliosis head to https://ssr.org.uk

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 channels, one on training and fundraising support, this one on runner stories and a third for members only. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.

PODCAST NOTES

• The London Marathon is an unforgettable experience filled with emotion.
• Training consistency is key, but don't be too hard on yourself.
• The atmosphere and crowd support can significantly boost morale during the race.
• Using technology, like headphones, can help stay connected with supporters during the marathon.
• Nutrition strategies should be tailored to individual needs and preferences.
• Fundraising requires early planning and effective communication with supporters.
• Emails can be more effective than social media for fundraising in a work context.
• It's important to focus on finishing rather than achieving a personal best in challenging conditions.
• Community support plays a crucial role in achieving fundraising goals.
• Future races should be approached with a balance of excitement and respect for the challenge.

• "Worlds apart from Valencia!"
• "The crowds were just so loud!"
• "It felt really smooth and good."
• "The last little boost I needed!"
• "The goal should be to finish!"
• "Everything was textbook!"

Stephen Johnson faced a challenging journey to the 2025 London Marathon, battling injuries like bruised ribs from a warm-up fall and a knee that required a cortisone injection just days before race day. Despite the heat and these setbacks, Stephen powered through to achieve an impressive finish time and exceeded his fundraising goals. In this episode, he shares his marathon training strategies, injury recovery tips, and effective fundraising approach—perfect for runners, marathon enthusiasts, and anyone looking for inspiration. Tune in to hear how determination, preparation, and smart fundraising can make all the difference.

If you'd like to follow in Stephen's footsteps and run your next event for Scoliosis Support & Research, or you're interested in one of the charity's London Marathon entries, email Will fundraising@ssr.org.uk. Thank you. To find out more about scoliosis head to https://ssr.org.uk

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 channels, one on training and fundraising support, this one on runner stories and a third for members only. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.

PODCAST NOTES

• The atmosphere of running a marathon is unparalleled.
• Training can be unpredictable with injuries and illnesses.
• Planning is crucial for race day success.
• Nutrition strategy is essential during the marathon.
• Fundraising requires early and targeted efforts.
• Personalized communication can enhance fundraising success.
• Mental preparation is as important as physical training.
• Long runs are vital for building confidence and endurance.
• Adapting to race day conditions is key to performance.
• Future races may require innovative fundraising strategies.

• Running Through Challenges: Stephen's Marathon Journey
• From Training to Triumph: A Marathon Story

• "It was a fun day."
• "It's just about planning."
• "You need to get in early."
• "People are very receptive."
• "We live to fight another day."

Riley James is a fundraising superstar who raised an impressive £4,500 for Scoliosis Support & Research through a creative marathon raffle. In this episode, Riley shares his 2025 London Marathon experience, including behind-the-scenes stories, race-day challenges, and practical tips for future marathon runners. Whether you’re preparing for your first marathon, looking for fundraising ideas, or seeking inspiration from a dedicated runner, this episode is packed with insights and motivation.

If you'd like to follow in Riley's footsteps and run your next event for Scoliosis Support & Research, or you're interested in one of the charity's London Marathon entries, email Will fundraising@ssr.org.uk. Thank you.

To find out more about scoliosis head to https://ssr.org.uk

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 channels, one on training and fundraising support, this one on runner stories and a third for members only. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.

PODCAST NOTES

• The London Marathon is a dream-like experience.
• Training can be mentally challenging, especially with injuries.
• Race day conditions can differ significantly from training.
• Adrenaline plays a huge role in marathon running.
• Nutrition and hydration are crucial for performance.
• Fundraising can be creatively approached through raffles.
• Personal connections to causes can enhance motivation.
• Running can be a transformative experience.
• It's important to enjoy the journey, not just focus on time.
• Future running opportunities are abundant and exciting.

• Running for a Cause: Riley's Marathon Journey
• From Training to Triumph: The London Marathon Experience

• "It feels like you're living a dream."
• "I think I got nutrition spot on really."
• "The crowd will carry you through it."
• "Don't rule anything out."

Aoibheann from Derry proves that scoliosis doesn’t stop determination. During her 30-Day Running Challenge, she ran an impressive 100km in a month while balancing her commitments, including playing for her local football team. Along the way, she raised an incredible £1,000 for Scoliosis Support & Research, inspiring others to combine fitness and fundraising. In this episode, Aoibheann shares her running journey, training tips, and motivation for tackling challenges, making it a must-listen for runners, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone looking to make a difference through sport.

If you'd like to follow in her footsteps and run your next event for Scoliosis Support & Research, take on a 30 Day Challenge, or you're interested in one of the charity's London Marathon entries, email Will at will.thommes@ssr.org.uk You can find details of the 30 Day Challenges here https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/ssrvehome

To find out more about Scoliosis head to https://ssr.org.uk

For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 channels, this one on training & fundraising support, another on runner stories and a third for members only. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.

PODCAST NOTES

• Aoibheann diagnosed with scoliosis at age 13.
• Her curve worsened during COVID, leading to the need for surgery.
• She completed a 100 km running challenge in 30 days.
• The challenge was inspired by friends running for charity.
• Aoibheann raised awareness about scoliosis through her fundraising.
• Community support played a crucial role in her journey.
• She experienced little pain while being active despite her condition.
• Raising funds helped her stay motivated during the challenge.
• Aoibheann's family was instrumental in her fundraising success.
• She aims to inspire others with her story and fundraising efforts.

• Aoibheann inspiring journey with Scoliosis
• Running for Awareness: Aoibheann's 30-Day Challenge

• "I have to get surgery now."
• "I had no pain at all when I'm being active."
• "COVID really set me back there."
• "The running community is unbelievable."
• "I would love for it to happen."

Lucy Russell-Bates was one of the lucky few to secure a ballot entry for the 2025 London Marathon, and she made every moment count. Having undergone scoliosis surgery twice, Lucy set out to raise funds for Scoliosis Support & Research, initially targeting £500. By race day, she had raised nearly five times her goal and enjoyed an unforgettable experience on April 27, 2025. In this episode, Lucy shares her London Marathon journey, fundraising tips, and personal insights on overcoming challenges, making it a must-listen for runners, marathon enthusiasts, and anyone looking for inspiration.

If you'd like to follow in Lucy's footsteps and run your next event for Scoliosis Support & Research, or you're interested in one of the charity's London Marathon entries, email Will fundraising@ssr.org.uk. Thank you.

To find out more about scoliosis head to https://ssr.org.uk

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 channels, one on training and fundraising support, this one on runner stories and a third one for members only. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.

PODCAST NOTES

• Lucy was diagnosed with scoliosis at 14 and had two surgeries.
• She was inspired to run the marathon after watching her dad.
• Training for the marathon was both challenging and enjoyable.
• Running with friends and family made the training process special.
• The race day atmosphere was electric, with immense crowd support.
• Hydration and nutrition were key to her race strategy.
• Lucy raised over £2,300 for Scoliosis Support and Research.
• Sharing her personal story helped her connect with donors.
• Being part of a charity team added to her marathon experience.
• Lucy plans to continue running but will take a break from marathons.

• "I have scoliosis."
• "It was overwhelming."
• "I felt very much part of the team."