Every year, fundraisers push themselves to raise money for United Response and help make a difference to the lives of the people we support. With places now open for the 2027 London Marathon, we’re sharing Tom’s inspiring story to show just what can be achieved. 

Tom has worked for us at ROC College for more than five years as a Learning Mentor, and last year he completed a gruelling 37-mile ultramarathon on our behalf – raising more than £800! 

More than just a race 

Although Tom had been running as a hobby for several years, he had never attempted anything close to an ultramarathon. So, when he heard about a long-distance race in his village, called The Smugglers Way, he saw an opportunity to challenge himself and contribute to a cause close to his heart. 

“I realised that it could be a great way to raise some money for ROC College, and that fundraising might keep me more motivated, as I knew what good the money does for the people we support. ”  

Having worked closely with the young people at the college, Tom has seen first-hand the difference it makes – not just to the people we support, but for himself and his colleagues. 

“There is such an impact that we can make in our line of work,” he mentioned. “It makes me very proud that I have managed to play a role in that impact. Working here has given me a lot in terms of support, encouragement and self-belief that I think I would’ve struggled to find in other places. I’m very grateful to United Response so I wanted to give back in some way.” 

Training through the tough days 

Preparing for a coast-to-coast 37-mile race was no easy feat. Tom spent evenings and weekends building up his endurance, learning that ultramarathon running requires a completely different level of stamina and resilience. 

The winter months proved particularly challenging. 

“Training days are tough because it’s just on you to do it, and it’s easy to give up with no stakes, especially over winter as it was cold and wet most days.” 

Along the way, he also faced several setbacks that forced him to take time away from training, teaching him a valuable lesson in self care and resting your body. 

But knowing that his loved ones and colleagues would be cheering him on from the side-lines on race day helped him push through. 

Crossing the finish line 

When race day arrived, Tom quickly discovered that 37 miles is a very long way! 

“Completing the race was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done”, he remembers. “At the half way point, everything hurt and I very nearly gave up but friends, family and other runners kept me going.” 

Knowing that so many people had supported his fundraising efforts helped him get past the toughest moments, and make it all the way to the finish line. 

“For me personally it was a huge lesson in resilience, determination and what I could actually accomplish. A lot of barriers are psychological and amazing things can be achieved with enough determination.” 

Not only did Tom raise over £800 for ROC College, but he also gained something for himself. 

He recalls, “It meant a great deal for me and my confidence, which I have taken forward into life and also my role in United Response. I am immensely proud of my achievement and the fact that the money raised would go toward helping people live fulfilling lives.” 

And while most people might have put their running shoes away after a staggering 37 miles, Tom has other ideas. 

“Once I recovered, it gave me huge motivation to challenge myself again — not just running races, but in life and in work.” 

A huge thank you to Tom for his fantastic fundraising efforts, and turning a personal challenge into something that will make a real difference for the young people we support. 

If you’d like to take on a challenge like Tom, you can apply to run the 2027 London Marathon for United Response here: London Marathon 2027 – United Response