Torbay duo Lucy and Luke join 56,000 in London Marathon 2025

Two Torbay fund-raisers will be taking to the streets of London with two separate causes close to their heart.

Lucy Nelson and Luke Kenshole will be taking on the challenge of the London Marathon 2025, joining a world-record field of around 57,000 competitors and watched by millions of people on TV from around the world on  Sunday April 27.

Around 840,000 applied to take part this year - Lucy won her place in a Christmas raffle.

She says: "At the age of 60 I have been lucky to win a place to run the London Marathon in our local running club Christmas draw.  Thanks to Riviera Racers I have this wonderful opportunity and would like to raise money for Brain Tumour research."

Lucy's youngest son, Chad, was diagnosed with a brain tumour four years ago when he was 18. Lucy says: "After five surgeries and intensive radiotherapy he has had a stable year but has been left with life changing issues. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer… yet just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. This is unacceptable."

She is fundraising for Brain Tumour Research and says: "They are the only national charity dedicated to funding long-term, sustainable research in the UK. Please help me fund the fight. Together we will find a cure."

You can find Lucy's funding page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/lucy-nelson-1734165639149

Two years ago Luke, who is confined to a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy, defied all the odds when he managed to walk 225 metres with the help of a walking frame on Paignton seafront raising money for Rowcroft.

The hospice will be the beneficiary again when Luke tackles the London Marathon with the help of colleagues Michael Kowalski and Tom Murch. Money will also go to Link Torbay.

Luke says: "I walked 225 metres in aid of Rowcroft Hospice a couple of years ago. I plan to double this, and with significant help from Mike and Tom complete the London Marathon together. The aim is to raise as much money as possible for both Rowcroft Hospice and Link Torbay, as without the aforementioned help I wouldn’t be in the position I am today and I want to help many more to have the platform for a fantastic life."

He added: "Link Torbay became a Community Interest Company in 2024 after operating as an independent specialist coaching entity for three years. Founded by Tom, Link Torbay CIC set out to customise fitness coaching to suit the very individual needs of children with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, stroke, acute brain injury, and spinal cord injury. Training in the gym provides an inclusive environment, where people of all abilities strive on a level playing field to achieve their individual goals, have access to specialist equipment, and gain not only physical benefits, but enhanced self-esteem and confidence.

"Over the past four years, we have witnessed clients improve their balance, muscle strength, coordination and aerobic capacity. In addition, all of our clients have experienced improved mental health and have reduced their use of regular NHS services. It is our ultimate objective to assist our underserved, local population of children with neurological conditions to develop lifelong healthy fitness habits."

He revealed that Link Torbay intends to launch its Bright Futures Project in May. "The initiative will initially integrate up to 10 children (under 18) with neurological conditions into the gym environment in order to: integrate them into this safe and level playing field, provide high quality personal training sessions designed to the individual client’s needs and goals, teach clients how to safely use gym equipment and create future independence in the gym environment, stimulate social interactions with other gym members and staff.

"We will also host quarterly community days out where clients may socialise with one another and enjoy fun and healthy activities whilst developing friendships and support networks. 

"On these community days will be two adults with neurological conditions who serve as incredible role models for the children and can offer advice through their own experience on navigating life with a neurological condition."

You can reach Luke's fund-raising page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/rowcroft-hospice-and-link-torbay?attribution_id=sl%3A352df5bc-c83a-401a-a5ed-e1c0e999365b&lang=en_GB&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp13_t1-amp14_c&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link