Our inspiring QMSU staff members Charlotte & Stephen are running the London Marathon for Mind & Bliss. Read their stories & please donate if you can
On Sunday 27th April two of our inspiring colleagues - Charlotte (Deputy Managing Director & Head of Sport) and Stephen (Head of Venues & Hospitality) will be lacing up their running shoes and taking on the legendary London Marathon for two charities very close to all our hearts at QMSU. But they're not just running for the personal challenge - they're running with purpose, heart and commitment to raise money for two important charities - Mind and Bliss.
Together, they’re covering 26.2 miles to raise awareness and vital funds for premature and sick babies, and for mental health support - and they would appreciate any support you can give if you're able.
Charlotte's Run for Mind
For Charlotte, she is running the marathon in memory of Ian Rickett. Ian was a friend and colleague to Charlotte and all of us here at QMSU. Ian worked as a Senior Fitness Coach at Qmotion and was also on the brink of launching his own business in health and wellbeing. Charlotte says, “A day doesn’t go by when I don’t think about Ian. I wanted to raise awareness and money for Mind, a charity close to Ian’s family’s heart. If I can help give hope to just one person, that will drive me forward - on marathon day, and in life.”
Charlotte’s run is a reminder that mental health matters, and that reaching out - even when someone seems "fine"—can make all the difference. Her fundraising for Mind, one of the UK’s leading mental health charities, will help more people access the support they need in time.
Support Charlotte’s run for Mind by donating here.
Stephen's Run for Bliss
Every year in the UK, around 90,000 babies are born needing neonatal care. That’s 1 in every 7 babies - a staggering figure that often goes unseen. Stephen is running for Bliss, the UK’s leading charity for babies born premature or sick. Bliss provides emotional support for families, champions better neonatal care, and ensures that every baby has the best possible chance at life, no matter how small their start. Stephen said about the upcoming Marathon, “The challenge will be extremely difficult for me, but with your help, we can support this fantastic charity – and I will get there!”
Stephen’s motivation is clear: no baby should have to face life’s toughest challenges alone - and no parent should face them without support. Bliss relies on donations to fund their work, and Stephen’s run is a powerful way to help them reach more families when they need it most.
Support Stephen's run for Bliss by donating here.
Every Mile Matters
Stephen and Charlotte are taking on the London Marathon with dedication, courage and love for the people and causes they care about most to make a difference.
If you can help please do support them by donating, sharing their story, or simply cheering them on as they cross the finish line on Sunday. We will also have a team of over 50 QMSU student volunteers who will be helping out as marshals around Canary Wharft and at the baggage collection points at the finish line - supporting runners like Charlotte and Stephen and spectators throughout the day - we thank them for giving up their free time and volunteering for this important cause!
Let’s all help them go the distance!