Marathon this year and our committee member Jon will be running it on our behalf!

Here the link to the just giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/londonmarathonmaryscharity

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Mary's Charity is excited to announce that we have secured a coveted spot in the 2025 London Marathon! This year, our dedicated committee member, Johnathon Brandling-Harris, will be running on our behalf, championing our mission to transform young lives and create safer communities.

The London Marathon is more than a race it's a platform for change. With every mile Johnathon covers, we’re raising awareness and funds to support our Four Pillars: Knife Bin Page/Violence Interruption, Education/Mentoring, Prison Work, and Research.

Read our exclusive Q&A with Johnathon, where he shares his motivations, training journey, and hopes for the future of our charity. Learn how his run will make a tangible impact and inspire communities across the UK.

Your support can make a difference. Donate now through our JustGiving page and help us continue our vital work. Every donation, no matter the size, fuels our mission and brings us closer to a world where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

Join us on this journey, cheer Johnathon on, and be a part of something extraordinary. Together, we can go the distance for change.

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Interview Questions:

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your connection to Mary’s Charity?

I am a local resident in the community and business owner that serves said community. I sit on the committee to help bring awareness and fundraise through my personal and business connections.

What inspired you to join the committee at Mary’s Charity, and how long have you been involved?

I have been involved for around 5 years and what inspired me was when I read an article from On Th Hill about the amazing outreach work the Charity Does. I run an estate agency that deals in the top end of property so I felt like it was my responsibility to raise awareness and give back.

When you’re not working with Mary’s Charity or training for the marathon, how do you like to spend your free time?

I love living centrally in London, but my weekends are spent in the Country and often climbing some peak, or training for a different challenge.

How did you feel when Mary’s Charity asked you to run on their behalf in the London Marathon?

So grateful and excited. This is a big milestone for Marys as the charity places are so difficult to get. I said yes in a heartbeat

How have you been preparing for the marathon? Any training tips or routines you’ve found helpful?

Lace up, get out in the cold. January running is difficult, but I’m used to pounding the pavement. I have few training routines and people to help keep me together and hopefully injury free!

What’s your go-to running playlist or favourite song to get motivated?

It depends on the session and my mood. Club classic or Garage tunes for when I want to train. Drum N Bass for the harder/I don’t want to sessions!

What message do you hope to send to people who see you running for Mary’s Charity during the marathon?

The health and wellness space is a great leveller and the Marathon is such a great event so I feel proud to promote the work they do. The message will always be about awareness. Our impact is huge and people need to know!

What would you say to someone considering taking on a challenge like this for a cause they care about?

Do it, say yes. Think less and get your trainers on – thank me later

What’s one thing about you that most people might not know but would find surprising or interesting?

Prior to doing what I do know, I used to play professional rugby. As a larger gentleman this makes running training a little trickier at times!

After the marathon, do you have any other plans or aspirations to continue supporting Mary’s Charity or similar causes?

Yes. I am planning to row the Atlantic in 2026/27

If you had to describe your experience with Mary’s Charity in one word, what would it be, and why?

Inspiring

Is there anything else you’d like to share with the supporters and followers of Mary’s Charity?

Tell everyone what the team does. Its amazing !

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