Running for Charlie Hounslow: My Marathon Challenge at 15

Hi everyone,

I’m Izzy, I’m 15, and I love running. I first got into it during the Covid lockdown — and I’ve been running ever since; not quite like Forrest Gump, but I’ve been running 5km a couple of times a week

Recently, my cousin Charlie was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma — a really aggressive form of brain cancer. I wanted to do something to help, so I set myself a challenge: to run a full marathon distance to raise money toward her treatment.

I hoped to join an official marathon, but you have to be 18 to enter — so I’m doing it solo. I’ve been training with a running app to build up to the full 26.2 miles, and I’ll be running it on 16th August this year.

Why I’m Running

Charlie is awesome — kind, happy, and full of positivity. Her diagnosis has been devastating for everyone who knows her. She’s currently undergoing specialist treatments that aren’t available through the NHS or covered by insurance, and the costs are huge.

Running a marathon is tough — but it’s nothing compared to what Charlie is facing. Every mile I run is for her, and every donation will help her access life-saving care and support her family through this incredibly difficult time.

How You Can Help

If you’re able to donate anything at all, it would mean the world. And if you can’t donate, sharing this page or sending good thoughts Charlie’s way would be amazing too.

Thank you so much for reading, supporting, and cheering me on.

With love, Izzy