Hello, my name is Anthony, I am 53 years old, married and we have an adopted son who has a learning disability .

I have always felt very strongly that he and others that also have special learning and developmental needs should have the support and understanding to help transition into our modern and often unforgiving world.

Our son is a gifted swimmer, he doesn’t swim now but up until he was 14, he swam as an International Paralympic Committee classified S14 Learning disability swimmer, he was swimming at National and International level and even trialled for the Tokyo Paralympics.

However, his mental health deteriorated, and he couldn’t cope, nor could his coaches, and teachers, and he was excluded from mainstream teaching.

I’ve seen first-hand the hurdles he’s had to try and overcome, from joining in simple social activities to receiving the support he needs at home and his hopes for work and training opportunities.

These aren’t just difficulties - they’re barriers to a fulfilling life that many with a learning disability face every day.

A man in a Mencap running vest gives thumbs up as he runs with Big Ben in the background

Anthony taking the 2024 TCS London Marathon in his stride!

Running the London Marathon isn’t just about the physical challenge for me. It’s a metaphor for the relentless marathons those like our son endure to find their place in a world that often overlooks them.

My run is to help fundraise to support all that have a learning disability, as I hope this will help everyone will strive to make the world a more inclusive and understanding place.

Mencap is at the forefront of this change. They understand that support needs to be as unique as the individuals they help.

My marathon journey for Mencap started a year ago, having just started running again, I hadn’t the thought of running a marathon, but caught up in the inspiration of watching London Marathon in 2023, I applied for this charity place to help Mencap making strides towards a society where individuals with a learning disability can live independently and with dignity.

Your place in the 2025 marathon with Team Mencap will help many people in many ways - from engaging in local community activities to accessing quality healthcare, securing employment and vocational training.

Mencap’s unwavering dedication not only transforms lives but also challenges societal perceptions, fostering a culture of inclusion and equality .

Your support means everything.

A man wearing a yellow cap and Mencap running vest with LOCKY across the front