From “Can’t Run for a Bus” to London Marathon: Lucy’s Inspiring Journey

There’s a special kind of bravery in stepping out of your comfort zone, putting on your trainers, and running towards a dream you once thought was impossible. That’s exactly what Lucy did. And now, she’s preparing to take on the London Marathon—a goal she once believed was out of reach.

“I only took up running when I was 37 or 38… not very long ago really. It all started with a 10K race, and I just thought, ‘That was good!’”

But let’s rewind. Because for Lucy, this wasn’t a path she ever imagined for herself.

“I was the person a couple of years ago who couldn’t even run up the stairs. I couldn’t run for a bus! I hated running. I hated PE at school. I was always the girl at the back during cross-country, walking and chatting, pretending to run when the teacher looked!”

Sound familiar? If you've ever doubted whether you’re “a runner,” Lucy’s story is here to tell you otherwise.

Her turning point came when she watched a friend cross the marathon finish line on YouTube.

“She ran it in 2023 and I was crying watching her finish. I thought—‘I want that. I want people to be proud of me. I’ve never done that before.’”

And so began the journey.

She didn’t get into the marathon on her first try. Or her second. But sometimes, the stars align in unexpected ways.

“I saw Mencap coming up on my Facebook all the time. My son attends a youth club run by them. It was like the universe was telling me something. I held my phone out to my husband and said, ‘It’s a sign. I’ve got to apply!’”

When the acceptance email came through, she was in a seaside arcade.

“I actually got in… and then I was like, ‘Oh no, I actually have to do this now!’”

Lucy’s honesty and humour shine through everything she says. She doesn’t pretend it’s been easy. But that’s what makes her story powerful.

Because Lucy is like so many of us—busy, self-doubting, unsure. And yet, she made the decision to believe in herself, even just a little. She decided to run for her son, for her health, and for something bigger than herself.

“I saw a photo of myself and didn’t like how I looked. And I saw these runners, fit, confident, and I thought… maybe it’s running. Maybe I’ll try.”

That one moment of self-belief turned into months of training, tears, laughter, and the courage to toe the line at one of the world’s most iconic marathons and for everyone who just needs a sign that they can do it too.

So, what’s stopping you?