A retired PE teacher and former Assistant Headteacher, Sue now enjoys a busy retirement working part-time in a local bike shop, coaching skiing, volunteering at sporting events and supporting her local community A community is the people and places in an area. . At 59 years old, Sue will also be celebrating a special milestone just before race day.
I will be 60 just before the London Marathon. What a way to mark the occasion!
While this will be Sue’s first marathon, she is no stranger to a challenge. Since turning 50, she has completed numerous triathlons, including a 70.3 Ironman, and even won her age group at the London Sprint Triathlon in 2019.
A Challenge with a Special Meaning
For Sue, the London Marathon is about much more than running 26.2 miles. Completing the marathon will allow her to achieve a goal she first discussed with her brother Paul, who sadly passed away unexpectedly in 2023, just days before his 58th birthday.
Following Paul’s death, Sue set herself the goal of completing the London Classics, a series of endurance events organised by London Marathon Events. The challenge includes a swim, a cycle ride and the London Marathon.
Sue completed Swim Serpentine in 2024 and cycled the Etape Loch Ness in 2025 after RideLondon was cancelled. The London Marathon is the final piece of the puzzle.
This just leaves finishing the London Marathon to complete my Classics journey and Mencap have supported me to realise my goal.
Sue says the challenge has helped her process her grief while celebrating her brother’s memory.
“I use the time and struggle to channel my grief and reflect on memories of my brother.”
Why Mencap
Supporting Mencap was an easy decision for Sue because of her close connection to the cause.
Paul had a learning disability 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. and was a much-loved member of the family. Growing up alongside him gave Sue first-hand experience Experience is when you have learned or tried something before. of some of the barriers and misconceptions that people with a learning disability continue to face.
“My brother Paul had a learning disability. We grew up in a loving family as three normal children.”
Over the years, Sue came to realise that many people’s reactions to her brother were based on a lack of understanding. She believes Mencap’s work is helping to change that.
“I truly believe their work to raise the profile of learning disabilities will continue to improve understanding within the public.”
Raising money for Mencap is Sue’s way of honouring Paul while helping create more opportunities and support for people with a learning disability and their families.
Fundraising in Paul’s Memory
Sue has already raised over £1,230 thanks to the support of family, friends and customers from the bike shop where she works. Many donations have been given in Paul’s memory.
Alongside her marathon training, Sue has been busy fundraising. From helping her mum with gardening projects to organising a pub quiz and raffle, she is determined to exceed her fundraising target of £2,750.
Training for Marathon Day
Preparing for her first marathon has involved Involved is being included in something or taking part in something. plenty of research Research is a way of finding out information which could come from books, or asking people what they think. and careful planning. Sue has increased her running to three times a week, improved her 10K race times and is focusing on strength and conditioning to stay injury free.
She credits advice from colleagues in the running shop where she works for helping her prepare and remains focused on one important piece of motivation.
A fellow runner left a message on her fundraising page that has stayed with her:
“When it gets hard, remember WHY.”
For Sue, that “why” will always be Paul.
My brother Paul will be with me for every step I take along my training miles and during the marathon itself.
As race day approaches, Sue is determined to enjoy every moment of what she expects will be her first and only marathon.
“I know it’s going to be hard, possibly the hardest physical endeavour I have ever done, but completion is my goal.”
With Paul in her heart and family and friends cheering her on around the course, Sue is looking forward to crossing the finish line and completing her London Classics journey.
Congratulations to Sue 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.
Support Sue and help her raise vital funds for Mencap: Donate to Sue’s fundraising page
Good luck, Sue, from everyone at Team Mencap. We’ll be cheering you on all the way to the finish line.