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TA Superstars run the London Marathon 2024
Posted on 25 March 2024 by Pippa McClounan
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Meet the dream team!
*****WATCH OUR RUNNERS' VIDEO HERE*****
We are inspired by the incredible dedication of these individuals who are taking on the monumental challenge of a 26.2-mile run through London on April 21st to support Tourettes Action.
The London Marathon holds a special significance as an iconic event, and we are delighted to have such a formidable team of runners representing us this year. Their commitment not only showcases our cause but also promises to raise significant funds for the TS community, raising thousands of pounds.
So who are our heroes in green?
CHRIS ATKINS
Running for Tourettes Action would be a priviledge for me. After being a part of Emma McNally’s journey last year, raising so much awareness and money for the charity, it has inspired me to do the same this year. Seeing Emma challenge herself and be a great ambassador for Tourettes Action motivated me to follow in her footsteps and make a difference to so many.
Being a teacher in a primary school I am regularly in contact with children who are neurodiverse and have seen the challenges and struggles families go through each day. I want to raise awareness of Tourettes whilst fundraising to provide vital funds for the charity.
SAMUEL BAWDEN
My son Leo has Tourettes. Tourettes Action have been great at providing him, us and his school with really helpful and informative materials. Tourette's is not a particularly well-known condition and comes with a lot of common miscnceptions so I’m really keen to both raise awareness generally and also raise money to help TA to keep doing the great work they are already doing. It’s just my way of giving back.
On a more personal level, I do have a score to settle with the marathon! Having signed up to do the virtual event last year, at the last minute, I didn’t have nearly enough time to increase my long runs (3.5 weeks – one of which I was abroad, another of which I barely left the house after receiving some tragic news about a close member of my wife’s family). The outcome was that I had to walk the last couple of miles and finished it all alone in the woods! I would love another chance at this so that I can show my son what can be achieved with a bit of hard work and that his condition doesn’t need to be a barrier to having a happy and fulfilling life.
MEGAN CHITTENDEN
My son, Colby, was first diagnosed with Tourrette Syndrome in December of 2021 at age 9. But the road that led us to that diagnosis was bumpy at best. School was suffering, he was consistently being painted as a “bad kid” who made noises, was defiant, didn’t follow the rules and didn’t interact with kids in a “normal” way. I started to notice he was special as soon as he could speak. His natural intelligence is off the charts and I know he was beyond typical. I started to notice the repetitive movements as early as age 4 but didn’t really start to look into it seriously until I was getting calls from school minimum daily but often several times a day with them complaining about his behavior.
It was breaking my heart to see him suffer and as parents we felt like we were failing him. I didn’t know where to turn, his pediatrician didn’t really understand it either but referred us to a neurologist. After an initial evaluation he was referred to a Tourette specialist and from the first meeting with her I finally felt like some one understood our child. Colby was diagnosed with OCD, ADHD, anxiety and with the motor and vocal tics the overall diagnosis was for Tourette Syndrome. While a label was “nice” and hearing from someone who finally understood helped us tremendously, he continued to suffer in school. Instead we decided to advocate for our son and lean into any available Tourette Syndrome resource we could find to help people understand our neurodiverse son. Through the Tourette Action association, I found many helpful visuals and infographics that I could use to show the teachers what was going on and how to best interact with Colby. We found a book that he could read to his class for the last 2 years to help them understand what is going on. I think he is the bravest person I ever met for standing up in front of the class and reading this to them and helping them learn diversity and tolerance for differences.
In 2022 about 18 months after his initial diagnosis we ran a 5K for Tourette Syndrome and he lit up and loved it. We both love running and doing it to support an amazing cause such as TS is a gift I simply cannot put into words. Through awareness and advocacy we can make huge strides for those who have Tourette’s. I am truly honored to run the London Marathon for Tourettes Action.
KATY DALY
Raising vital awareness is my main motivation for running for Tourettes Action. As a mother of a child with Tourette’s I have found the stigma attached to and lack of awareness towards those with Tourette’s to be an uphill battle.
I want my daughter to feel proud of who she is and embrace her Tourette’s as a part of who she is and to know how proud I am of her endeavours. I will also encourage her to get out and complete some of my training runs with me as exercise can often help however she has lacked motivation and due to heavy medication is often too tired- this may help to spur her on!
I am also a teacher and feel that schools need to be more aware of the challenges faced and to better understand and manage children with Tourette's so this is another driving factor.
Alongside awareness I would like to give back to TA (by raising valuable funds), which has been a great source of information and support whilst we were going through diagnonisis and now treatment. I have learned so much and have found links and connections as a result of the website/Instagram accounts. It can feel like a very lonely process and having TA has made it feel less so.
JACK HODGE
My name is Jack, I am 25 and will be running the TCS London Marathon in 2024. I am using this event as an opportunity to raise money and awareness for the charity of my choice, Tourettes Action (TA).
My sister is the ultimate reason for choosing TA, as she has unfortunately dealt with Tourette's for the last 7/8 years. So, being able to use this huge event as an opportunity to raise awareness around my sister and Tourette Syndrome, feels rather surreal and I can't wait to get to the start line!
I have participated in multiple events to support fundraising with my friend and colleague Harry, who is also participating in the London Marathon including climbing Snowdonia, a half Marathon and a Spartan Race. My sister will be so proud to see me complete this in support of such a great cause.
BEN HUMPHRIES
As someone who lives with Tourette’s, I feel it its only right for me to do something to represent the community that I have been a part of for the last 10 years of my life. Despite not being the most athletic of people, I have learned with my Tourette’s about how determined I can be.
I have always tried to challenge myself as well with different fundraising events such as raising £2000 for a homeless charity in Bath, when I was just 10 years old, by doing a sleep out so I know what it takes to persevere in fundraising.
In terms of the marathon as well, I have always watched the marathon and my mum has actually competed in three London marathons herself. Because of this, I always wanted to replicate her by doing it and as I will be at University, I will have plenty of time to train to improve my fitness and also to fundraise.
I am so proud to run for Tourettes Action, as despite not being the quickest, I am definitely mentally strong and determined to do this.
CHARLIE PITKIN
I will be running The London Marathon in April in order to raise money for Tourettes Action. I am looking to raise as much money as possible to support the fantastic work TA do across the country supporting children and adults with Tourette Syndrome. Any donations would be amazing - every penny helps!
A very dear friend of mine (who is like an annoying little brother to me) has TS, so I am inspired and determined to complete this for him and his family.
The London Marathon has become an annual, inspiring and colourful fixture in the world’s sporting calendar since the inaugural race on 29 March 1981: a celebration of fun, fundraising and fancy dress. Over the years more than a million people have completed the 26.2-mile course – and I am excited to be one of this number!
MAZ RAJ - BALLOT PLACE
My eldest son Ashton has Tourette syndrome and as such has been fantastically supported by Tourette Action over the years. It's down to their amazing events such as TICfest that Ashton has managed to meet other children with Tourette's. We have been lucky enough to attend two TICfest events, which are only possible thanks to fundraising and grants. I will be very proud to wear my TA vest on race day and run for the TS community.
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