Mum of 4 Runs Marathon for Disabled Daughter

Mum of four Rachel is running the 2025 Altra Yorkshire Marathon (on her birthday no less) to raise money for York Inspirational Kids after all of their support.

"It's not something I thought I'd do after four kids, but I'm doing it for two big reasons - for my children, and for every family like ours who are living with the daily reality of disability."

Rachel's oldest child is disabled and neurodivergent. She spends much of her time, efforts, and money into giving her the necessities she needs to live freely and independently.

"Our journey has been filled with joy, love, and strength - but also with relentless challenges."

After struggling for years with inaccessible systems, and the sheer financial toll of providing equipment, adaptions, and medical supplies, Rachel knows that many others similarly struggle to provide the essentials for their disabled children.

That's why she is raising money for York Inspirational Kids who, like many other charities, are short on funds. She hopes that, through her hard work, they can continue to do theirs, as they continue to support children and their families through their struggles. 

"Their work is life-changing, providing a sense of community, respite, and opportunities for children to be included, accepted, and celebrated, as well as for parents, siblings, and families to share their experience and advice."

But Rachel is not only running the marathon to raise money:

"I want to show my kids that they can do hard things. That, even when something feels impossible, you can find your why, dig deep, and make it happen. I want them to see that strength doesn't always look like having it all together - sometimes it's messy, emotional, slow, and sweaty - but it's always worth it."

"Running 26.2 miles will be tough. But every mile will be for my daughter, for the incredible families like ours, for the team at York Inspirational Kids, and for my family - to remind them that they are capable of so much more than they think."