I never expected to be running the London Marathon.

I entered the ballot with friends not expecting anything to come from it, but somehow I was lucky enough to secure a place for 2027.

The only problem?

I’m not a runner.

Over the next nine months, I’ll be taking on the biggest challenge I’ve ever attempted - going from never running to standing on the start line of the London Marathon and completing 26.2 miles.

But this journey isn’t really about me.

I want to use this unexpected opportunity to support a little boy called Eliyas.

Eliyas is living with an extremely rare genetic condition called TUBB4A-related leukodystrophy, which affects the development of myelin in his brain - an essential substance involved in movement, coordination and neurological function.

For Eliyas, everyday milestones that many of us take for granted are achievements that require incredible strength and determination.

Holding his head up for longer.

Making new sounds.

Every step forward is something to celebrate.

Despite the challenges he faces, Eliyas continues to show incredible resilience, supported by his loving family who are doing everything they can to give him the brightest possible future.

A pioneering gene therapy programme in the United States could help slow or alter the progression of Eliyas’s condition, giving him the opportunity to continue reaching milestones and experiencing more of the moments every child deserves.

Accessing this treatment and the specialist care around it comes at a significant cost, which is why his family are fundraising for the support needed. Any donations made through this page will be passed directly to Eliyas’s main fundraising campaign, helping his family get closer to their goal.

When I found out I had a place in the London Marathon, I realised I had been given an opportunity.

Now I want to use that opportunity to help Eliyas and his family.

Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing my journey from first run to marathon day - the progress, challenges and hopefully the finish line on 24 April 2027.

Every mile will be run with Eliyas in mind.

If you’re able to donate, no matter how small, thank you. Your support will help Eliyas’s family get closer to their fundraising goal and access the treatment and care they are working so hard towards.

If you can’t donate, sharing this page would mean just as much.

Thank you for being part of this journey and helping me turn an unexpected marathon place into something meaningful for Eliyas.

You can follow Eliyas's story on Instagram: eliyastubb4a