Rowan, born and bred in southeast London, spent a bit of time abroad but has made her way back to Lewisham, now working as our Visiting Service <span>A service gives people what they need, like healthcare services that help people when they are ill, and support services that give people support.</span> Coordinator here at Mencap, where she's decided to run the 26.2 mile London Marathon!
My job centres around recruiting and supporting volunteer <span><img alt="A woman helping a woman in a wheelchair use a tablet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="41bc35d4-a4ea-4a40-8f5b-403448e865b2" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ipad%20Use%201.png" /></span> <span>A volunteer is someone who helps out by doing work for free.</span> befrienders. I get to spend a lot of time with lovely people from all walks of life and I enjoy seeing friendships between volunteers and beneficiaries blossom. I love it!
This year, as I watched one of my close friends run the London Marathon, it was the first time that I felt like my motivation to do it was beginning to outweigh the fear. So, I signed up while I was still on that high, and low and behold, I got a place.
We asked Rowan if she had ever taken on a marathon challenge before?
“I’ve completed a couple of swimathons over the years, but no experience <span>Experience is when you have learned or tried something before.</span> of running challenges whatsoever. As you can imagine, that makes this one pretty daunting, but I’m super excited to get stuck into training, and am already getting excited thinking about the incredible atmosphere the Marathon brings to the city, and that this time I’ll be absorbing it from the race track!”
I’m proud to be able to raise money for a charity that I truly support and know it will make a positive impact.
My role at Mencap allows me to see the impact and value of our work everyday. From the work of myself and my colleagues, to the efforts and dedication of our volunteers, and the positive changes to the lives of people we support.
What are you hoping to get out of this challenge and how are you planning to fundraise for the £2750 target?
I've learnt so much about the lives of people with a learning disability <span>A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things.</span> in the UK since starting out at Mencap and feel honoured to be able to take on this huge challenge and raise money to help support people to live their lives to the fullest.
So far, I’m less than a week in and I've already raised £196, which is made up of my own donation (you have to back yourself first!), my parents, and a few Vinted sales, which for the next year will all be going towards the cause.
What advice would you give to someone who’s going through something similar to you?
The best advice I can give at this stage is to surround yourself with supporters. Friends, family, colleagues, whoever is going to hype you up, attend your fundraising events, and be there on race day with a sign and a will to lose their voice. It’s a huge feat to run a marathon, and will take a lot of will power, so the more people who can make you smile on those days where you’re struggling, the better!
Congratulations to Rowan for gaining a place in Team Mencap this year, and the incredible start to her fundraising so far.
If you are interested in taking part in 2027, please complete this online form.
Whether you're a beginner registering for your first marathon, or a regular runner - we have free training guides available to support your Mencap mission.
Get your free training guide
Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate runner, our free 12 week training plans guide you through different exercises and activities you can do to get prepared for your 5K, 10K, half or full marathon.