Our London Marathon Runners Are Ready to Make Every Mile Count
- office60974
- Jan 14
- 3 min read
We’re thrilled to announce our two incredible London Marathon runners for 2026, both taking on this epic challenge to raise vital funds for Home-Start South Warwickshire. Together, they hope to raise over £2,000 each to support local families when they need it most.
Dave Woolcock: Turning “One Day” Into Now
Dave, a dad of one and long-time supporter of Home-Start, has always had the London Marathon quietly on his bucket list.
“For years, the London Marathon has sat quietly on my list of ‘one day’ goals. Not just as a race, but as a real test of discipline, resilience, and the ability to push myself far beyond what feels comfortable. This time, ‘one day’ finally became ‘now’. Running for Home-Start gives it purpose - it turns the effort, early mornings, sore legs, and relentless training into something bigger than myself.”
For Dave, supporting local families is deeply personal.
“As a parent, I know how intense and overwhelming family life can be, even when things are going well. There are moments where the smallest bit of support, reassurance, or simply someone who understands can make a huge difference. Home-Start steps into that gap in the most human way possible. They don’t just provide services; they offer time, empathy, encouragement, and a friendly face when life is at its toughest. Knowing the people behind this work only fuels my desire to raise vital funds.”
Training, as he puts it, is… chaotic.
“Chaotic, sweaty, and surprisingly educational. There have been glorious runs where I felt like a real athlete, interspersed with early mornings my legs strongly protested. And the weather — rain, wind, sideways rain — it’s all part of the challenge. But completing the marathon will be about achieving something I once thought impossible and doing it for a cause that genuinely matters. I can’t wait for the atmosphere, the crowds, and that emotional finish-line moment — followed closely by a very well-earned pint or two!”
Kate Melly: Adventure, Challenge, and Heart
Kate, mum of two and one of our biggest supporters, has already helped raise over £70,000 for Home-Start South Warwickshire through events like the Sparkle Ball and the Wolf Run. Now she’s taking on the ultimate challenge: the London Marathon.
“I’ve always wanted to try a marathon but worried about the time needed to train. I’ve been fundraising for Home-Start South Warwickshire for years and by 2027 my mission is to have raised over £100k. With a little persuasion from friends and family, I decided it was now or never. And then I got in!”
For Kate, supporting families through Home-Start is a cause close to her heart:
“The support they provide through their volunteers can completely change lives. No one should have to struggle bringing up children without help, and all children deserve the best start. The volunteers are guardian angels — it’s a special, worthwhile, and very much needed charity.”
Her training has been a mix of adventure, perseverance, and a little trial and error.
“Training has been amazing, even if sometimes I have to drag myself out the door. Once I’m running, it’s like therapy! I love exploring trails — even if my sense of direction is shocking. The weather has been a bit of a challenge (rain is definitely not my friend!), but I can feel myself improving every week. And the support from everyone makes it all worthwhile.”
Completing the marathon means more than just the finish line for Kate.
“The main reason I’m doing it is to raise as much money as I can for Home-Start. I’m looking forward to the atmosphere, the crowds, and giving it my all — a little fear but a whole heap of passion! Completing it will be incredible, but knowing it’s for such an amazing cause makes every mile meaningful.”
We couldn’t be prouder to have Dave and Kate representing Home-Start South Warwickshire on this epic journey. You can follow their progress and support their fundraising through their donation pages. Every mile they run brings hope, support, and encouragement to local families when they need it most.
Support Dave and Kate on their London Marathon journey:
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