A freelance inclusive dance artist and educator, Christina has spent more than 10 years working alongside children and adults with learning disabilities and complex needs, creating opportunities for people to build confidence, express themselves and feel included.
This will be Christina's first marathon and, in fact, the first challenge of its kind she has ever taken on.
I only started running in 2026, with my first ever Parkrun being on New Year's Day. So the London Marathon is very much a case of pushing myself completely outside my comfort zone... and I'm scared!
For Christina, taking on the marathon is about more than running 26.2 miles. She believes in challenging herself and seeing what she is capable of, even when something feels difficult.
"I want to prove to myself that I can do something that currently feels quite scary and completely outside my comfort zone."
Why run for Mencap?
Supporting Mencap was a natural choice for Christina because of her career and the people she works with every day. For around 10 years, she has worked with children and adults with learning disabilities and complex needs through her inclusive dance work.
"I have never, ever felt more inspired than when I am around the people I work with. I will forever and always shout as loudly as possible about how amazing this community A community is the people and places in an area. is."
Christina hopes her marathon journey will help raise awareness of Mencap and the importance of ensuring people with learning disabilities have the same opportunities to be included, try new things and do the things they love.
How is fundraising going?
Christina has already achieved her fundraising target, raising £2,826 online for Mencap, which is incredible.
Along the way she organised a community event called Move 4 Mencap, raising £2,250 through ticket sales and a raffle. The event brought people together for activities including yoga, Pilates, a sound bath, a 3km run or walk and strength training.
She has also been sharing 26 Stories for 26 Miles, highlighting stories from local Mencap Gateway groups throughout her marathon journey. This combination of fundraising ideas is truly inspiring and such a good way to bring a community together for a day of fun and fundraising.
Seeing the fundraising grow and having people support me has also been incredibly motivating. Knowing that other people believe I can do it makes a huge difference.
Words of wisdom
When asked what advice she would give to someone taking on a challenge of their own, Christina's message is simple: "Don't let the fact that something feels difficult stop you from trying it."
She also encourages people not to compare themselves to others: "Everyone starts from a different place, and everyone will run a different race to you!"
Support Christina
Christina is excited, nervous and determined to make it to the finish line. After years of watching the London Marathon as a spectator, she is looking forward to experiencing the day from the other side of the barriers.
Congratulations to Christina for taking on the 2027 TCS London Marathon as part of Team Mencap. We can't wait to follow her journey and cheer her on every step of the way.
If you'd like to support Christina and learn more about her fundraising journey, visit her fundraising page.