A man is running the London Marathon in honour of his twin brothers, who sadly died shortly after they were born.
Samuel Darke, 23, from Middleton Cheney, is taking on the London Marathon in memory of Charlie and Joshua, who were born prematurely.
He is raising funds for Footprints Baby Loss Twin & Triplet Support, a Banbury charity co-founded by his mother, Sharon Darke.
Mr Darke said: “The opportunity to run the London marathon this year is particularly pertinent as they would be 26 years old, meaning I will be running a mile for each year of their age.”
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“I am running in memory of my twin brothers, Charlie and Joshua, who died shortly after birth.”
The charity was set up by Mr Darke’s mum to help give vital support to those who have experienced baby loss.
Mr Darke said Footprints Baby Loss Twin & Triplet Support is ‘very close’ to his heart.
He also plays competitive futsal for Loughborough Futsal, lives with type 1 diabetes and previously tore his ACL in April 2024, making the marathon an even greater personal challenge.
He added: “Training has been tough at times, juggling work, long-distance runs and frequent training/matches with Loughborough Futsal, but remembering the reason why I am completing the marathon keeps me going.
“I will also be wearing the names of the babies of the families affected and supported by Footprints.
“Running a marathon has never been a goal of mine. The first time I entered the ballot was when I was lying in bed, not being able to bend my knee, with my only mobility being on crutches.
“Any donations, no matter how big or small will be greatly appreciated.”
A link to Sam’s Just Giving page can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/samuel-darke-london-marathon