Preparing for a marathon is always a challenge — physically, mentally, and emotionally. But when every mile has a deeper purpose behind it, the early mornings, tired legs and long runs take on a whole new meaning.
At the start of a new year, many of us set resolutions or personal challenges — something meaningful that pushes us outside our comfort zone. That’s exactly what Tom Williams is doing this year, setting the stakes high by taking on yet another marathon for a cause that truly matters.
Tom, one of our External Verifier’s at Active IQ, will be running the 2026 London Marathon (26.2 miles) in April 2026 in support of Hope House Children’s Hospices, with a particular focus on their North Wales hospice, Tŷ Gobaith.
Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith provide specialist care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, while also supporting families through moments no one should ever have to face alone. Their services include respite stays, counselling, therapies, expert nursing and end-of-life care, all delivered with compassion, dignity and understanding. Much of this vital work depends on fundraising and donations — which is why challenges like this marathon are so important.
Tom’s motivation for supporting Tŷ Gobaith is deeply personal. A family friend sadly passed away from a rare form of cancer at just 13 years old, and during her final months she and her family received support from the charity. More recently, Tom and his wife welcomed their daughter, Elsi, last June. Becoming a parent has brought a whole new perspective on life and reinforced how unimaginable the loss of a child must be — and how essential the support of charities like Tŷ Gobaith truly is.
You can learn more about the incredible and often heart-breaking work Hope House does by reading the families’ stories on their website. One particularly moving example is Esmay’s Story, which captures just how vital hospice support can be.
Esmay’s parents describe her as their “little warrior”. Despite complex medical needs, heart surgery at just days old, and a rare genetic condition, Esmay continues to amaze everyone around her with her strength and her smile. Her mum Kim says:
“She’s nearly three, and with her diagnosis anything can happen — but she’s always got a smile on her face. Seeing her brothers and sisters really makes her light up. She’s the youngest, but she’s the boss.”
Hope House supported Esmay’s family from before she was even born, through hospital treatment, recovery and respite care — allowing her parents to focus not only on Esmay’s complex needs, but also on making precious memories together as a family. Stories like Esmay’s are incredibly powerful, and it’s hard not to shed a tear for each of these brave children and the families who love them.
Two years ago, Tom ran the Snowdon Trail Marathon, raising £2,500 for the charity. This time, he’s determined to build on that achievement at the London Marathon, with a fundraising target of £2,500 and a stretch goal of £3,000.
An experienced but realistic runner, Tom considers himself intermediate, having completed marathons and half marathons before. Since becoming a dad, motivation has naturally dipped, but this challenge has reignited his focus. He’s following a structured training plan using the Runna app, aiming to complete around 300 miles over the next four months, including long runs of 18 and 21 miles in the final stages of preparation.
Most speed sessions are completed solo, while easy runs with friends help keep motivation high. Tom has also learned from experience just how important the right kit is good-quality trainers and breathable socks can make a huge difference, helping prevent blisters, improve comfort and keep runs enjoyable as mileage increases. Alongside that, the small things help too, new trainers, fresh kit, or in Tom’s case, new Beats over-ear headphones, which add that extra spring in his step.
The entire Active IQ team is proudly supporting Tom throughout this challenge, and we hope that you will consider supporting him too. Every donation — no matter how big or small — directly supports the care, comfort and compassion that Tŷ Gobaith provides to children and families every single day.
If you’re unable to donate, you can still make a meaningful difference by sharing Tom’s story and fundraising page with others. Helping spread the word ensures this vital cause reaches as many people as possible.
Support Tom’s London Marathon fundraising here >
Read more powerful family stories, including Esmay’s, here >
Thank you for helping turn a New Year’s challenge into something truly meaningful — where every mile, every share and every pound raised helps make a real difference to children and families who need it most.