SCOLIOSIS SUPPORT & RESEARCH FUNDRAISING STORIES

2025 London Marathon Review: Jon Jones’ Race Insights

Jon, a chef from the West Midlands, ran his first marathon to raise funds for Scoliosis Support & Research, inspired by his daughter Poppy, who was diagnosed with scoliosis before her first birthday. Battling the heat of the London Marathon, he raised over £3,000 for this important cause. In this episode, Jon shares his inspirational running story, the challenges of marathon training and race day, and the motivation behind running for charity fundraising. Perfect for runners, charity supporters, and anyone seeking a motivational first marathon journey. If you'd like to follow in Jon's footsteps and run your next event for Scoliosis Support & Research, or you're interested in one of the charity's London Marathon entries, email Will fundraising@ssr.org.uk [fundraising@ssr.org.uk]. Thank you. To find out more about scoliosis head to https://ssr.org.uk [https://ssr.org.uk] For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts]. We have 3 channels, one on training and fundraising, this one on runner stories and a third for members only. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage. [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/] PODCAST NOTES Keywords   London Marathon, Scoliosis, Charity, Running, Training, Family, Health, Personal Journey, Marathon Experience, Support   Summary   In this episode of the Runner Stories podcast, Tim interviews John, who shares his inspiring journey of running the London Marathon for Scoliosis Support and Research. John discusses the personal connection he has to the charity, as his daughter has been battling scoliosis since infancy. He reflects on the challenges of training for his first marathon, the importance of community support, and the emotional experience of race day. John's story highlights the intersection of personal struggle, family pride, and the drive to make a difference through running.   Takeaways * John runs the London Marathon for Scoliosis Support and Research. * His daughter has undergone multiple surgeries for scoliosis. * John's motivation is to make his daughter proud. * He started training later than most due to life commitments. * Community support played a crucial role in his training. * He balanced training with family responsibilities. * John's longest training run was 16 miles on a treadmill. * He experienced both highs and lows during his training journey. * Race week was hectic but filled with excitement. * The adrenaline at the start of the marathon was overwhelming. Titles   Running for a Cause: John's Marathon Journey   Sound Bites * "I just had to keep an eye on it." * "I wanted to do it for the charity." * "It's just adrenaline rush, think." Chapters   Running for a Cause: John's Journey Training Trials: The Road to the Marathon Race Week: Preparing for the Big Day The Marathon Experience: From Start to Finish Fundraising Journey Social Media Strategies Persistence in Fundraising Future Aspirations

2025 London Marathon Review: Melissa Woodfield’s Race Insights

Melissa took a unique approach to marathon training in December, combining her training plan with innovative strategies that paid off on race day. With over £3,000 raised for charity, her fundraising approach was just as effective as her running preparation. Listen to Melissa share her London Marathon journey, her insights on training differently, and how she made her marathon experience truly unforgettable. Perfect for runners looking for marathon training tips, fundraising inspiration, and a motivational running story. If you'd like to follow in Melissa's footsteps and run your next event for Scoliosis Support & Research, or you're interested in one of the charity's London Marathon entries, email Will fundraising@ssr.org.uk [fundraising@ssr.org.uk]. Thank you. To find out more about scoliosis head to https://ssr.org.uk [https://ssr.org.uk] For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts]. We have 3 channels, one on training and fundraising support, this one on runner stories and a third for members only. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage. [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/] PODCAST NOTES Keywords   London Marathon, running, training, fundraising, race day, nutrition, support, community, advice, experience   Summary   In this episode of Runner Stories, Tim Rogers interviews Melissa, a dedicated runner who recently completed the London Marathon. Melissa shares her experiences, from the emotional highs and lows of race day to her training journey and the importance of community support in her fundraising efforts. She emphasises the significance of preparation, nutrition, and the overwhelming atmosphere of the marathon, while also offering valuable advice for future runners. The conversation highlights the joy of running and the impact of collective support in achieving personal goals.   Takeaways * The London Marathon is an unforgettable experience filled with emotion. * Training consistency is key, but don't be too hard on yourself. * The atmosphere and crowd support can significantly boost morale during the race. * Using technology, like headphones, can help stay connected with supporters during the marathon. * Nutrition strategies should be tailored to individual needs and preferences. * Fundraising requires early planning and effective communication with supporters. * Emails can be more effective than social media for fundraising in a work context. * It's important to focus on finishing rather than achieving a personal best in challenging conditions. * Community support plays a crucial role in achieving fundraising goals. * Future races should be approached with a balance of excitement and respect for the challenge.   Sound Bites * "Worlds apart from Valencia!" * "The crowds were just so loud!" * "It felt really smooth and good." * "The last little boost I needed!" * "The goal should be to finish!" * "Everything was textbook!" Chapters   00:00 The London Marathon Experience 03:03 Training Journey and Preparation 06:09 Race Day Emotions and Atmosphere 09:01 Navigating the Course and Support 12:04 Nutrition and Hydration Strategies 15:06 Fundraising Journey and Community Support 17:59 Advice for Future Runners 20:59 Looking Ahead: Future Races and Goals

2025 London Marathon Review with Stephen Johnson | Race Highlights & Insights

Stephen Johnson faced a challenging journey to the 2025 London Marathon, battling injuries like bruised ribs from a warm-up fall and a knee that required a cortisone injection just days before race day. Despite the heat and these setbacks, Stephen powered through to achieve an impressive finish time and exceeded his fundraising goals. In this episode, he shares his marathon training strategies, injury recovery tips, and effective fundraising approach—perfect for runners, marathon enthusiasts, and anyone looking for inspiration. Tune in to hear how determination, preparation, and smart fundraising can make all the difference. If you'd like to follow in Stephen's footsteps and run your next event for Scoliosis Support & Research, or you're interested in one of the charity's London Marathon entries, email Will fundraising@ssr.org.uk [fundraising@ssr.org.uk]. Thank you. To find out more about scoliosis head to https://ssr.org.uk [https://ssr.org.uk] For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts]. We have 3 channels, one on training and fundraising support, this one on runner stories and a third for members only. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage. [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/] PODCAST NOTES Keywords   marathon, training, fundraising, race day, nutrition, challenges, running tips, Stephen, London Marathon, Scoliosis Support   Summary   In this episode, Tim Rogers interviews Stephen, who shares his experiences running the London Marathon for Scoliosis Support and Research. Stephen discusses the highs and lows of his training journey, including injuries and setbacks, as well as the excitement of race day. He emphasises the importance of planning, nutrition, and adapting to race conditions. Stephen also shares insights into his fundraising efforts, highlighting the significance of early engagement and targeted communication. The conversation concludes with reflections on lessons learned and the future of running and fundraising.   Takeaways * The atmosphere of running a marathon is unparalleled. * Training can be unpredictable with injuries and illnesses. * Planning is crucial for race day success. * Nutrition strategy is essential during the marathon. * Fundraising requires early and targeted efforts. * Personalized communication can enhance fundraising success. * Mental preparation is as important as physical training. * Long runs are vital for building confidence and endurance. * Adapting to race day conditions is key to performance. * Future races may require innovative fundraising strategies. Titles * Running Through Challenges: Stephen's Marathon Journey * From Training to Triumph: A Marathon Story Sound Bites * "It was a fun day." * "It's just about planning." * "You need to get in early." * "People are very receptive." * "We live to fight another day." Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Marathon Challenges 03:11 Training Journey and Setbacks 06:00 Race Day Preparations 09:01 Race Strategy and Nutrition 12:03 Fundraising Efforts and Strategies 17:00 Lessons Learned from the Marathon 19:55 Future of Running and Fundraising

2025 London Marathon Review with Riley James | Race Highlights & Training Insights

Riley James is a fundraising superstar who raised an impressive £4,500 for Scoliosis Support & Research through a creative marathon raffle. In this episode, Riley shares his 2025 London Marathon experience, including behind-the-scenes stories, race-day challenges, and practical tips for future marathon runners. Whether you’re preparing for your first marathon, looking for fundraising ideas, or seeking inspiration from a dedicated runner, this episode is packed with insights and motivation. If you'd like to follow in Riley's footsteps and run your next event for Scoliosis Support & Research, or you're interested in one of the charity's London Marathon entries, email Will fundraising@ssr.org.uk [fundraising@ssr.org.uk]. Thank you. To find out more about scoliosis head to https://ssr.org.uk [https://ssr.org.uk] For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts]. We have 3 channels, one on training and fundraising support, this one on runner stories and a third for members only. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage. [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/] PODCAST NOTES Keywords   London Marathon, Scoliosis, fundraising, running, race day, training, nutrition, personal story, marathon experience, charity   Summary   In this episode of the Runner Stories podcast, Tim Rogers interviews Riley James, a standout fundraiser for Scoliosis Support and Research, who shares his experiences leading up to and during the London Marathon. Riley discusses the emotional highs and lows of race day, the challenges of training, and the importance of nutrition and hydration. He also highlights his successful fundraising efforts through a raffle and reflects on his personal journey with scoliosis, aiming to inspire others. Looking ahead, Riley expresses his desire to continue running and exploring new opportunities in the sport.   Takeaways * The London Marathon is a dream-like experience. * Training can be mentally challenging, especially with injuries. * Race day conditions can differ significantly from training. * Adrenaline plays a huge role in marathon running. * Nutrition and hydration are crucial for performance. * Fundraising can be creatively approached through raffles. * Personal connections to causes can enhance motivation. * Running can be a transformative experience. * It's important to enjoy the journey, not just focus on time. * Future running opportunities are abundant and exciting. Titles * Running for a Cause: Riley's Marathon Journey * From Training to Triumph: The London Marathon Experience Sound Bites * "It feels like you're living a dream." * "I think I got nutrition spot on really." * "The crowd will carry you through it." * "Don't rule anything out."   Chapters   00:00 The Excitement of Race Day 03:06 Training Journey and Challenges 05:59 Race Day Experience and Strategy 08:54 Nutrition and Hydration on the Course 11:56 Fundraising Success and Raffle Strategy 14:59 Personal Connection to Scoliosis 17:48 Future Running Aspirations

30-Day Running Challenge for Scoliosis Support & Research | Virtual Event

Aoibheann from Derry proves that scoliosis doesn’t stop determination. During her 30-Day Running Challenge, she ran an impressive 100km in a month while balancing her commitments, including playing for her local football team. Along the way, she raised an incredible £1,000 for Scoliosis Support & Research, inspiring others to combine fitness and fundraising. In this episode, Aoibheann shares her running journey, training tips, and motivation for tackling challenges, making it a must-listen for runners, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone looking to make a difference through sport. If you'd like to follow in her footsteps and run your next event for Scoliosis Support & Research, take on a 30 Day Challenge, or you're interested in one of the charity's London Marathon entries, email Will at will.thommes@ssr.org.uk [will.thommes@ssr.org.uk] You can find details of the 30 Day Challenges here https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/ssrvehome To find out more about Scoliosis head to https://ssr.org.uk [https://ssr.org.uk/] For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts]. We have 3 channels, this one on training & fundraising support, another on runner stories and a third for members only. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage. [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/] PODCAST NOTES keywords scoliosis, fundraising, running challenge, awareness, community support, personal journey, health, surgery, athleticism, inspiration summaryIn this episode, Tim interviews Aoibheann, a young woman who has raised significant funds through a 30-day running challenge while managing her scoliosis diagnosis. Aoibheann shares her journey from diagnosis to surgery, the challenges she faced during training, and the motivation behind her fundraising efforts. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, raising awareness about scoliosis, and the inspiring stories that keep her going. Avine's determination and athleticism shine through as she prepares for her upcoming surgery and reflects on her future aspirations.   Takeaways * Aoibheann diagnosed with scoliosis at age 13. * Her curve worsened during COVID, leading to the need for surgery. * She completed a 100 km running challenge in 30 days. * The challenge was inspired by friends running for charity. * Aoibheann raised awareness about scoliosis through her fundraising. * Community support played a crucial role in her journey. * She experienced little pain while being active despite her condition. * Raising funds helped her stay motivated during the challenge. * Aoibheann's family was instrumental in her fundraising success. * She aims to inspire others with her story and fundraising efforts.   Titles * Aoibheann inspiring journey with Scoliosis * Running for Awareness:  Aoibheann's 30-Day Challenge Sound Bites * "I have to get surgery now." * "I had no pain at all when I'm being active." * "COVID really set me back there." * "The running community is unbelievable." * "I would love for it to happen." Chapters   00:00 Introduction to  Aoibheann's Journey 01:30 Diagnosis and Progression of Scoliosis 03:28 The 30-Day Challenge: Motivation and Goals 06:05 Training and Balancing Life with Scoliosis 09:35 Raising Awareness and Funds for Scoliosis 11:41 Community Support and Personal Stories 18:04 Future Aspirations and Challenges Ahead