A mum of two who dreamed of running the TCS 2026 London Marathon is to take part in the iconic race to raise money for the charity which supports her brother.
Jane Clark, 47, will be pounding the streets of the capital this April for learning disability charity Hft, which supports her younger brother Robbie.
Robbie is supported by the charity in Bampton, Devon, where he lives independently with a friend Brian.
Jane has set herself a target of raising £1750 for Hft, which she says has helped Robbie achieve an independent and fulfilling life.
This will be the first time that Jane, who works as a School Games Organiser, has tackled the world-famous marathon.
“I’ve done the Manchester Marathon and I loved it,” said Jane.
“The camaraderie while running the course was just fantastic with everyone cheering each other on.
“I also completed a virtual London Marathon in 2021 after over ten years of trying to secure a place.
“This year I am delighted to have got a charity place and to run for such an amazing cause.”
Jane, from Exeter, trains and runs multiple times a week, but is slowly increasing the miles she runs in readiness to take on the 26.2 mile route.
“Robbie is very proud that his older sister is running the London Marathon,” said Jane.
“He asks me every day how my training is going and how much money I have raised.”
Robbie has a busy life in the Devon village.
He enjoys drama, going to the gym and swimming and visiting the local library.
“With Hft’s support, Robbie has been able to lead a fulfilling, independent life – something which we thought may never be possible,” said Jane.
“The relationships Robbie has with his care team, his peers and in his community, highlight Hft’s commitment to its vision for learning disabled adults to be able to live their best lives in a kind and inclusive community.”
Jane says she’s excited, although a little nervous, to be taking on the challenge on April 26.
“It’s something I have wanted to do for so many years,” said Jane.
“Now I have a real reason to do this, for Robbie and for Hft.”
Hft Community Fundraising Manager Emma Macdonald said: “Jane’s dedication to supporting Hft and her commitment to running the TCS 2026 London Marathon for her brother Robbie is truly inspiring.
“It’s supporters like Jane who help us continue to provide vital services for learning disabled people, enabling them to live independent and fulfilling lives.
“We are so grateful for her fundraising efforts and wish her all the best in her training and on race day.
“Her story is a beautiful reminder of how communities come together to make a real difference.”
If you want to sponsor Jane in her marathon effort visit https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jane-clark
- If you haven’t managed to secure a place for this year’s TCS 2026 London Marathon, you can still get involved and raise money for Hft! The TCS London Marathon MyWay Your race, Your way is your chance to be a part of the world famous London Marathon event from the comfort of your own hometown. Those signing up can choose to run, jog or walk and can take part solo or with friends and family. To earn the coveted TCS London Marathon finisher medal and a New Balance T-shirt, entrants just complete the marathon distance from 00:00 to 23:59:59 BST on Sunday 26 April 2026. To confirm your place please complete the registration form and pay your £10 registration fee. Once you have completed this, you will officially have a spot on #TeamHft to raise a minimum sponsorship of £100 to support learning disabled adults. You can find out more here: London Marathon MyWay 2026 – Hft
