Seven fundraisers are taking on the London Landmarks Half Marathon for WAY

March 2026

Seven runners are getting ready to lace up their running shoes for the London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday, 12 April in support of WAY Widowed and Young – raising funds to help our charity continue its work supporting young widowed people across the UK.

WAY supporter Kyer is among those taking part in the event, which passes key London landmarks including Big Ben, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. She has already raised more than £2,000. She chose to support WAY after seeing first-hand the help her mum, Kelly, received through the charity’s peer support network.

“The reason I’ve chosen to support WAY Widowed and Young is purely down to the fact I have witnessed my mum lose her husband – my step dad – last year, which was a total shock,” says Kelly. “My mum received so much help through WAY and I honestly couldn’t thank the charity enough.”

“I understand how important fundraising is for WAY as a small charity and I just knew I had to try and do something,” she says. “I’ve never run in my entire life, so this has definitely been a challenge but I’m so proud of myself for doing it.”

Mother’s pride: Kelly’s story

Kyer’s mum, Kelly, who joined WAY after her husband died last year, explains why her daughter’s fundraising challenge means so much to her:

“I am incredibly proud of my daughter, Kyer, for choosing to raise funds for WAY. Despite working full time, studying at college and caring for her little boy – who has faced ongoing health challenges and repeated hospital stays since October – she has remained committed to running and raising the funds she pledged.”

“After the loss of my husband, Dan, at just 39, WAY’s supportive network of young widows was invaluable,” adds Kelly. “In those early days, and as time went on, having people who understood what I was going through made a significant difference.”

“I will always be grateful to everyone who offered help, advice or support. I’m also grateful to Kyer for choosing to raise funds to help ensure others can continue to access these services.”

Paul’s marathon efforts

WAY member Paul is also taking part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon as part of a year of fundraising for WAY.

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“I’m looking forward to taking on London Landmarks Half Marathon,” he says. “Before Rachel died in 2022, I used to run half marathons and marathons, but since she died I've struggled to keep it going. I’ve run shorter runs, which has been helpful for my mental health, but I’ve found it difficult to run longer distances.”

“The chance to raise money for WAY has given me new motivation to start training again while supporting a charity that has helped me through my bereavement,” he adds. “WAY has connected me with others who understand my situation, as well as providing practical support and helplines where needed. I'm planning to run several half marathons this year to continue fundraising.”

Louise’s story

WAY member Louise decided to give back to WAY by running the London Landmarks Half Marathon after the charity supported her when she was widowed young: 

“I can hardly begin to tell you how much I've gained by being a part of this community,” she said. “Specific advice on road traffic collisions, … emotional support, help with the boys and so many little nudges and signposts to show me a way of coping with the weight of my loss of John and our family life as it used to be.”

Rachel’s story

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In spite of breaking her shoulder just before Christmas, WAY member Rachel is running the London Landmarks Half Marathon in memory of her husband Mark, who she lost to MND in April 2022. 

Julia's final leg of '3 marathons in a month' challenge

Having already completed Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon and Reading Half Marathon in March, Julia is now gearing up for Sunday.

Julia says "I will be running with 7 other WAY members who I haven't met before but it will be amazing to be part of this small group, raising awareness and funds for such a worth while cause as no one should have to grieve on their own whilst trying to work, run a house as well as solo parent."

Vicki’s triple challenge

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In April 2026, WAY member Vicki is taking on the triple challenge of running the London Landmarks Half Marathon, Manchester Marathon and the Coventry Way Ultra Marathon – a combined distance of 80 miles!

“I am raising money for WAY – a charity close to my heart for the amazing support I have benefitted from over the past three years,” she said. “It is crucial that this continues for current members but also for those who will sadly find themselves widowed in the future.”

Huge thanks to all of the fantastic runners – Kyer, Paul, Rachel, Louise, Vicki, Lucy and Julia – who are taking part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon for WAY in April. We wish them all the best of luck!