Why I Ran for Marches Family Network – And Why I'm Asking You to Join Me
In 2025, I did something I never thought I would do.
I signed up to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon.
At the time, I wasn't a runner (and I am still not sure I am now). The idea of training for 13.1 miles felt daunting, but after meeting Meg and Rae through HMBiz networking events and learning more about the incredible work of Marches Family Network, I knew I wanted to help.
What I didn't realise was just how much the experience would change me.
Marches Family Network supports hundreds of children and young people with disabilities, along with their families, across Herefordshire and the surrounding area. Through family sessions, respite opportunities, short breaks, trips, guidance and support, we help create opportunities for children and young people to play, develop, socialise and thrive.
Play is something many of us take for granted. Yet for children and young people with additional needs, access to safe, inclusive play opportunities can be life-changing. It supports physical, emotional and cognitive development, while giving families the chance to relax, recharge and enjoy precious moments together.
The impact of these experiences often lasts far beyond the day itself.
One parent shared:
"My son is non-verbal and attended the Butterfly Zoo session with Marches Family Network. For the next five months he signed 'Butterfly Zoo' every day. We've looked back at the memories and photos on Facebook countless times."
It's a simple story, but it perfectly captures why our work matters. Creating moments of joy, confidence and connection can have a lasting impact on both children and their families.
By removing barriers and creating welcoming, inclusive spaces, we're able to support not just children and young people, but entire families.
One parent told us:
"I love coming because I know the support is there. I can talk to you because I don't feel like I'm judged as a bad parent."
For many families, having a place where they feel understood and accepted is just as important as the activities themselves. It allows parents and carers to connect with others who understand their experiences and reminds them that they are not facing challenges alone.
Another parent described Marches Family Network as:
"An absolute lifeline for our family."
They went on to explain how our summer sessions allowed both parents to have respite while knowing their son was having a wonderful day, and how our team went above and beyond to support them during a particularly difficult period when one parent was deployed overseas. Through family trips and activities, they were able to socialise with others, try new experiences in a safe environment and create happy memories together.
As a charity, fundraising is vital. We receive no funding from government or local authorities, meaning every pound raised helps us continue providing these life-changing opportunities for local families.
That knowledge stayed with me through every mile of training.
There were cold mornings. Wet evenings. Days when it would have been far easier to stay at home. But every time I considered skipping a run, I reminded myself why I was doing it.
Knowing that people had donated and supported my challenge gave me a sense of responsibility, but it also gave me motivation. Every training run felt like a small step towards making a difference.
When race day finally arrived, it was everything I had hoped for and more.
The London Landmarks Half Marathon is unlike anything I have ever experienced. The atmosphere is incredible. Thousands of runners take to the streets, many raising money for causes close to their hearts. The crowds line the route from start to finish, cheering complete strangers as if they've known them for years.
The spectators' signs are often hilarious, wonderfully creative and exactly what you need when the miles start to feel tough. The route itself is relatively flat and takes place on closed roads, allowing you to take in some of London's most iconic sights along the way.
One of my favourite memories was having my family there to support me. Thanks to the layout of the course, they managed to appear at several different points along the route, each time armed with new banners, words of encouragement and the occasional sweet treat. We made a whole weekend of it, creating memories that will stay with us forever.
Crossing the finish line was an incredible feeling.
Not just because I had completed a half marathon, but because I knew I had helped raise money for a charity doing extraordinary work in our local community.
Handing over those donations afterwards brought a sense of satisfaction that is difficult to put into words. It made every training run worthwhile.
On a personal level, it also showed me that I could commit to a long-term goal, stay focused and achieve something I once thought was beyond me.
Today, I have the privilege of working for Marches Family Network. I get to see first-hand the difference that fundraising makes to the children, young people and families we support.
That feeling I experienced after the race? I now get to experience it every day.
That's why we're looking for 15 amazing people to join Team MFN at the London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday 4th April 2027.
Whether you're an experienced runner chasing a personal best or someone, like me, who had never run before, we'd love to hear from you. We'll support you every step of your fundraising journey and help you make a real difference to local families.
You won't just be running 13.1 miles.
You'll be helping create opportunities for children and young people with disabilities to play, develop friendships, gain confidence and enjoy experiences that every child deserves. You'll be helping families access respite, support and a community that understands them.
And who knows? You might discover, as I did, that the journey changes you too.
If you'd like to join Team MFN for the London Landmarks Half Marathon 2027, please complete our application form using the link below.
London Landmarks Half Marathon Application Form – Fill in form
Not a runner? We'd still love your support. Come along to London and join the MFN cheer squad (pom-poms provided!), follow us on Facebook, share our fundraising posts, or help spread the word to friends, family and colleagues. Alternatively, email me on admin@marchesfamilynetwork.org.uk and we can discuss how you can help us.
Together, we can help create more Butterfly Zoo memories, more moments of respite, and more opportunities for local families to feel supported, included and understood.
David Bannerman - Marches Family Network