In October 2025 I was, together with my wife Ann, confirmed as the lucky ones to run the London Marathon in 2026 for the PBC Foundation.  A dream for my wife who hails from Fraserburgh and a wonderful challenge for me to run another marathon after 8 years in relative resting mode.

We are experienced runners and I have taken part in 9 marathons before. So I knew what was coming from the training regime that lasted 16 weeks.  Training through the winter has never been my preferred season but it had to be done. Temperature wise winters are lovely as I prefer the colder weather.

I was lucky that my work was reasonably calm so I could do runs during daylight hours and other ones in the weekend.  Following a set program is something I really enjoy as it gives you focus for the time but you also see the progress you make during the weeks.  I did my runs in The Netherlands mainly but also on trips to Italy and Scotland I ventured out to comply with the training regime.

During one of the trips to Scotland I met the team at the PBC Foundation. That was a powerful meeting where I got introduced to the team but also the work they do for people living with PBC in the UK and worldwide.  Through some contacts at the football club in Dunfermline, I was able to raise much needed awareness for the charity and our run in London. The PBC team came along to a press conference and we managed to get much needed press for the charity and our quest.

In march till early April the heavy weeks kicked in. Three consecutive Sundays meant 30, 32 and 35 km (18.6, 19.9, and 21.7 mile) training sessions besides the ones you do during the week.  They went fabulous and I kept a slower pace than I did on other marathons and also picked up some habits that helped me through these long runs but would also be good during the race in London.

From Easter onwards it was slowing down the training sessions and the distances run. All eyes were on the weather forecast for Sunday the 26th April. Last year’s temperatures well above 20 degrees would mean a tough job for myself.

We arrived in London on the Friday by Eurostar and picked up our start numbers in the Excel Arena. We had a good sports meal and had a quiet evening. Our 3 sons were traveling to London as well to support us but came in later on the Friday evening.  Saturday we had our last short run in a local park and that meant we were ready to start on the Sunday.

As a footballer, our eyes were on taking in a game somewhere in London. Never thought we would be at Wembley to watch the semi-final of the FA cup. That took my mind of the race a bit and the experience was fantastic.   Another wholesome home cooked meal on Saturday was had and an early night was part of the routine.

On race day it is always an early start as we have to stock up on food and fluids well before the starting times. We were in separate areas but started 2 minutes apart. We travelled by train to Greenwich park which is huge and make it look like a random marathon of smaller proportions. You don’t think more than 60000 runners start from there. It was very tranquil and well organized.  We split up at the park and that was us on our own.

I moved to my starting area and had the last banana and went for the last toilet stop. I met a lovely guy from Glasgow and spoke to him whilst moving from the pen to the starting line.   10:03 AM; I go through the start and wish my buddy well. We have the same target in our mind; 3 hours 45.  Legs feel fine, body is ready and off we go.

How quiet and tranquil the starting area was, the supporters on the side were in droves and very supportive of all the runners. The first 5 km is quieter as the starting areas run different routes till the 5 km mark. And then the noise from the crowds swelled even more. I upped my pace above the level of my long runs and took a risk of getting hit later on. But it felt fine so I kept it up.

With our own support we agreed on certain points during the race and as a runner you always look out for that moment. So I was lucky to see them 4 or 5 times during the race. As my time was of less importance than in other marathons I took the time to greet them, high five them and hug them. It made my marathon so much more enjoyable and remarkable.

I ran very comfortable at the pace so kept going. First signs of fatigue came at 28 km (17.4 miles). I knew I would suffer somewhere but this was still 14 km (8.7 miles) to go. So I decided on a tactic that would help me through the remainder of the race. At certain intervals I would walk a minute and then pick up running again. I also took onboard more water and fluids to go with the gels you take during the race.

The kilometres crept by and at 34 km (21.1 miles) I saw my sons for the last time. That was a massive boost and kept the mind going in the right direction. I kept running and walking right till the end and I was glad to see Big Ben and not much later Buckingham Palace. At that time I still thought my wife was ahead of me. But I had unknown to me passed her just before the 34 km (21.1 mile) mark. So I was so happy the see the finish line and see the time I managed to run. 3 hours 46 was my time and that was better than expected and right on my target.

What stood out during the whole race was the crowds, the noise levels, and the support you get from total strangers. I was in a frame of mind that I thought they were all there for me and I loved it. At the 10 km (6.2 mile) mark around Cutty Sark, I thought this is so addictive. Not with any event you get that feeling of camaraderie amongst runners themselves but also between runners and supporters. My second slowest marathon ever but what a beauty!

Half an hour later I met my wife at the agreed meeting point. She had been struggling during the race and finished behind me, which I thought was impossible.

This marathon makes such an impression on me because of the cause we ran for, the support I experienced from the team at PBC, and the massive London support.

We managed to raise a good amount of money and also raise the profile of the PBC Foundation. Happiness All Around.

“I took on the ‘Cycle around the World 4 PBC Challenge’ to raise awareness of PBC and to fundraise for the Foundation and achieved so much more. Initially people didn’t seem interested, and I became deflated, sure that I was going to fail. But along came summer and with it lots of new participants. People I met whilst out and about or on social media and even members of the PBC Foundation and their friends and families started submitting their miles, they came rolling in and we were well on our way to our target, smashing it with 6 weeks still to go. This challenge for me was really about raising awareness, getting people involved in a cause they had never heard of. I thought I may get 10 to 20 participants. Never did I imagine I’d have 87 people submitting miles. Most of which had never heard of PBC. Although I did not personally cycle as many miles as planned I did go on some epic rides, here are just a few of my favourites! Paignton to Teignmouth (22miles), oh that was a hilly ride but the costal views made it worth it”.

“We Ride Flanders (54miles), my first ever cycling event, cycling through the Flanders region of Belgium, the cobbles were painful but the buzz got me hooked and I can’t wait to do it again this year. Cycling 203 miles in 5 days around my home county, the hottest week of the year couldn’t stop me getting out and enjoying the beautiful quiet roads of Dursley and the surrounding areas, I even made it to Wales and back one afternoon. Finally, my longest ride, from my home to mum’s (70 miles), this is the ride I did for PBC day, it took me to Worcester where my father-in-law joined me as we cycled through the beautiful lanes of Worcestershire on to Tewksbury for a spot of lunch and on down to Gloucester. Here the father-in-law dismounted and I was joined by a dear friend all the way to Mum’s childhood home in Dursley, with a fanfare ready and waiting to cheer us on for the final mile”.

We are truly humbled by Jasmine’s efforts along with those who supported her on her journey and we thank her most sincerely for raising this magnificent sum for the Foundation. To say she is an inspiration is a huge understatement, thank you Jasmine from all at the Foundation.

“The sky dive was both exciting and scary at the same time. It was quite windy on the day so the young man and I came down spinning and quickly, this left me feeling travel sick”.

Wendy was watched and supported at the event by lots of other PBC folk and their families. She raised an outstanding £1,094.89 including gift aid. Wendy decided to do this amazing feat as the Nottingham and Beyond group was set up on May 7th, 10 years ago. The whole group felt a birthday party was in order, but Wendy had other ideas and decided to fundraise for our amazing PBC Foundation. Hence the heroic skydive. But don’t worry, Wendy and the group did party well afterwards with cake.

“I completed my last run on 17^th December which finished off the 13 runs of 10k in full kit. This was a hard and challenging charity event to take on. I have to say that the final run was painful, I decided to finish at the fire station, big mistake! I wasn’t expecting the hill to be quite as painful as it was. It never seems that steep in the car. We raised £1,530 for Fire Fighters Charity and The PBC Foundation. This means a lot to me personally as my wife suffers with PBC. I want to thank all of the PBC Foundation especially the very kind ladies who came out in the freezing conditions to cheer me on. I have to say, the one thing I will take away from this is seeing so many Fire Fighters asking what PBC is and members of the public being educated. So that alone makes it worthwhile.”

Our sincere thanks to Paul for all his hard work, determination and outstanding support in raising funds and awareness for the PBC Foundation.