Anita Takes On The 2026 London Marathon For Age UK MST

A short while ago, we put out a call to our supporters to see who might be interested in taking on the 2026 London Marathon on our behalf.

We were overwhelmed by the hugely positive response we received, and are so grateful to everyone who took the time to apply for our ballot space. Anita was the person we chose to represent us with our ballot space.

A keen runner and somebody who has undertaken a staggering 54 races before, we are delighted that Anita has chosen to fundraise for Age UK Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge. 

Follow this page for monthly updates on her progress - and head to her fundraising page if you would like to support her further: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/anita-card. You can also read more from Neet below:

I’m a passionate runner! I may not have a six-speed gearbox or turbo boost, but once I’m up to pace I’ll keep going reliably for miles. Like an old engine with a manual choke, it might take me a moment to warm up, but I’ll always get there—and I’ll keep ticking along long after the flashy cars have pulled over.

Running for me is about steady reliability, not speed. I plod through the miles like a faithful classic—dependable, consistent, and happiest cruising along woodland lanes. No frills, no fuss, just built to last.

Last year I retrained as a fitness instructor, turning a lifelong hobby into a career I truly love. I now coach CrossFit, lead exercise classes for older adults, and run dementia-friendly exercise sessions that focus not only on fitness, but also on connection, laughter, and community.

I’m running the London Marathon for Age UK MST because I believe older people should be valued, seen, and celebrated. Too often they are overlooked, but they deserve opportunities to stay active, enjoy quality time, and feel part of something bigger. Supporting Age UK MST perfectly reflects my values—showing that age is never a barrier to living fully.

Nickname? Neet

How long have you been running? 16years

First race entered? Crowborough 10k

Most unusual race run? Half marathon at Brands Hatch circuit (it looks flat on the TV!)

Running Style? Plodder

Will run for? Cake and medals!

Favourite playlist? Anything 80’s!

Known for? Tripping up!

How many races have you done? 54

Favourite distance? Half Marathon

Favourite place to run? Woods

Have you ever run a Marathon? No!

January Training Update – New Year, New Challenges, New Ways to Get Involved

January has definitely tested my commitment to London Marathon training. Over the past month I’ve run through mud, snow, and even had to clamber around a fallen tree blocking the path (proof included in the photos!). The weather hasn’t always been kind, but I’ve managed to dodge the worst of it and keep the miles ticking over.

I’ve now reached 16 miles for my longest run, which feels like a big milestone. My focus for January is about steady, sensible progress – slowly increasing distance, respecting recovery, and keeping my body strong all the way towards April.

Running the London Marathon for Age UK Maidstone, Sevenoaks & Tonbridge means so much to me. January is all about New Year, New Opportunities, and this feels like the perfect time to share new ways you can get involved and support the cause.

One big date for your diary:
📍 Charity Quiz Night
📅 Friday 20th March
📍 Poult Wood Golf Course
💷 £13 per person (includes a meal)
👥 Teams of up to 6
🎉 Quiz, raffle and games throughout the night

I’ll be creating an event very soon so people can book on – I’ll share the link as soon as it’s live.

Whether you donate, join the quiz night, share my updates, or simply cheer me on, every bit of support helps Age UK continue their incredible work with older people in our community. Thank you for being part of this journey with me 💙

Anita's Update - November 2025

As November wraps up, I’ve completed 102 miles of marathon training, all in support of Age UK Maidstone, Sevenoaks & Tonbridge. I’m thrilled to have raised £779 so far – thank you to everyone who has supported my journey. Training is going well, and the weather has been kind so far! December sees the mileage increase again as we head into 2026.

For me, choosing to fundraise for Age UK MST is deeply personal. I work within our local older community, delivering exercise sessions that help people maintain strength, balance and confidence in their everyday movements. I also work closely with people living with dementia. Although exercise is vital, I see every day that social connection is just as important. Often the conversations, laughter and sense of belonging in the room matter just as much as the movement itself.

As we head into December, that message becomes even louder.
Christmas can be a joyful time for many, but for thousands of older people it is the loneliest season of the year. Age UK’s recent campaigns highlight just how many older people will spend the holidays without a single meaningful interaction.

That’s why services like befriending, social groups, warm hubs, dementia support and community outreach are so essential. They make sure someone has company, conversation, comfort – and the reassurance that they haven’t been forgotten.

These services are lifelines, but they also require funding to run, especially during the winter months when demand is highest.

If you’re able to, I’d be incredibly grateful for any donation towards my marathon fundraising. Even the cost of a few Christmas cards or stamps can make a meaningful difference when redirected towards supporting someone who would otherwise be alone this winter.

💛Thank you for helping Age UK Maidstone, Sevenoaks & Tonbridge continue to bring connection, warmth and companionship to older people across Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge this Christmas.

Anita's Update - October 2025

This month, as we celebrated Silver Sunday, I’ve been thinking about just how special it is to bring older people together. In my day-to-day work I run exercise classes for people living with dementia and for our wider senior community, and it’s always a joy to see the laughter, conversations and friendships that blossom when people come together.

I’m especially grateful this month to my lovely friend Janet, who hosted a wonderful coffee morning, and to the many friends and local businesses that supported with raffle donations.

Also, to The Crafty Quizzers, who held a fun quiz at Poult Wood and kindly supported Age UK Maidstone, Sevenoaks & Tonbridge through their charity raffle. Both events were full of chatter, smiles, friendly competition and food!

Together these events raised £574!

I also started my marathon training and completed the Tonbridge Half Marathon at the beginning of this month. There will be many more of these in the next 6 months!

Anita's September Running Diary

Cakes eaten: 6 -Jam Swiss roll, Jamaica ginger, walnut, lemon drizzle, Jam doughnut and flapjack.

Miles run: Lots.

Mud level: Starting to increase.

Favourite place this month: Ightham Mote

Animals Encountered: 6 - Sheep, Horses , Squirrels, Rabbits, Pheasants (accidentally found myself in actual race with them – they won) Dogs – many.

Running Conditions: September sees the season changes, acorns and conkers drop and the official start of Mud Season. Puddles start to appear.

Attire: Refusing to surrender to leggings. Determined to stay in shorts + vest until at least November! I have my own inbuilt heating system!!

The summary of September saw some lovely blue skies and some rain!