For nearly a decade, Ab Phab Youth Club has been such a huge part of my life.
From unforgettable trips to Stubbers Adventure Centre in Upminster to getting stuck into weekly sessions.
I have seen the direct impact the youth club has made to the young people’s lives. That’s why I wanted to give something back.
When I didn’t get into the London Marathon ballot last year, I ran my first at the Virtual London Marathon my way instead.
I completed the 26.2 mile run in 4:45.37!
This year I wanted to run it again but this time with the goal of raising money for Ab Phab Youth Club.
I wanted community to be a central part of this challenge and therefore instead of running for a time, I wanted the youth club members and staff to walk/jog/run parts of it with me.
Alongside my amazing friends Lily and Joe, we took on the marathon around our local Barking Park.
As this was Lily’s first marathon, I wanted to run it alongside her as we have been training together.
Joe on the other hand is who I started running with years ago therefore I couldn’t think of running it with anyone else!
Their motivation, encouragement, and constant positivity kept me going, especially during the hardest moments.
We pushed each other, laughed through the pain, and reminded one another why we started. I honestly couldn’t have done it without them; they are truly amazing.
On the day, we were surrounded by incredible support. Staff, young people, and families from Ab Phab Youth Club came together, not just to cheer us on, but to host a full sports day alongside our run.
Crossing that finish line was emotional.
Joe powered through with an incredible time of 5:29.11, while Lily and I completed the marathon together in 6:58.07.
We completed the marathon and together, we raised over £2,500 for Ab Phab Youth Club.
I feel so proud, grateful, and inspired, this experience showed me the true power of friendship, community, and determination.
- If you would like to donate to this great cause, follow the link to Ab Phab Just Giving page: justgiving.com/campaign/abphabmarathon
Tiana is a volunteer at Ab Phab Youth Club, the club disability inclusive youth club in Dagenham (abphabyouthclub.org.uk).
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