Hello - I am Jane & I am a member of the congregation at St. Laurence Church Upminster. I was lucky enough recently to be have gained a place in the London Marathon 2025 via the ballot… this was only a 2% chance!!

I have always said from a very young age that I wanted to achieve 2 things for myself in life. One was to do a parachute jump and the other was to run the marathon. Two very random things, I know!! Well, I completed the parachute jump when I was 20 years old so it was just the marathon to go. I'm not a runner at all so I really don't know where this idea had sprung from. But for years and years I have entered the marathon on the off chance that I might gain a place. Each year, getting the same reply - "Not this time!" But.....this year in June, whilst sitting at the airport, I received an email to say "You're In!" Not being a runner, I was absolutely terrified by the thought of what I had been offered. However, since June 2024 I have trained, starting with the Couch to 5K and continued with the running so that when the time came to actually 'train', I would be ready! I have now started my ‘official’ marathon training and am 7 weeks in!!

The first time I attended this church was alone, but after attending for just a couple of weeks I was made to feel extremely welcomed and as though I had been apart of this congregation for a very long time. Since attending I have become more and more involved and recently was able to use a community day offered by my place of work to help with restoring the railings surrounding the church with some of my colleagues. Being a part of this project and seeing what could be achieved with some sandpaper, paint, helping hands and a few cups of tea inspired me to raise funds for our Building Improvements Projects. We are seeking to make a number of significant changes to the building with the aim of preserving its tradition, history & character and improving its capacity to meet the needs of worshippers, visitors and the community well into the future.

All donations are welcome and no amount is too small. Thank you!