Exeter mum takes on London marathon to support her brother’s journey

An Exeter woman is preparing to run the London Marathon to raise vital funds for the charity that supports her younger brother to live independently in Devon.

Jane Clark, 47, will take on the TCS London Marathon this April in aid of learning disability charity Hft, which provides care and support for her brother Robbie.

Robbie lives independently with a friend in Bampton, Devon, with support from Hft. Jane says the charity has played a crucial role in helping him build a fulfilling and active life, and she wants to give something back.

The mother of two has set herself a fundraising target of £1,750 and will be tackling the iconic 26.2-mile route for the first time.

Although this will be her first London Marathon in person, Jane is no stranger to long-distance running. She previously completed the Manchester Marathon and took part in the virtual London Marathon in 2021 after trying for more than a decade to secure a place.

READ NEXT: Popular riverside Exeter restaurant closes after kitchen fire

“I’ve done the Manchester Marathon and I loved it,” said Jane, who works as a School Games Organiser.

“The camaraderie while running the course was just fantastic, with everyone cheering each other on.

“This year I am delighted to have got a charity place and to run for such an amazing cause.”

Jane, who lives in Exeter, is currently training several times a week and gradually increasing her mileage as race day approaches.

She says Robbie is hugely proud of her efforts.

“Robbie is very proud that his older sister is running the London Marathon,” she said.

“He asks me every day how my training is going and how much money I have raised.”

Robbie leads a busy life in Bampton, enjoying drama, swimming, going to the gym and visiting the local library – activities Jane believes have been made possible through the support he receives.

“With Hft’s support, Robbie has been able to lead a fulfilling, independent life – something which we thought may never be possible,” she said.

“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.”

Hft supports more than 2,800 learning disabled adults across England and Wales, helping people to live more independently and participate fully in their local communities.

Jane admits she is feeling both excited and nervous ahead of the big day on 26 April.

“It’s something I have wanted to do for so many years,” she said. “Now I have a real reason to do this – for Robbie and for Hft.”

Emma Macdonald, Community Fundraising Manager at Hft, praised Jane’s commitment.

“Jane’s dedication to supporting Hft and her commitment to running the TCS 2026 London Marathon for her brother Robbie is truly inspiring,” she said.

“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.”

Hft is also encouraging others who missed out on a marathon place to take part in the London Marathon MyWay challenge, which allows participants to complete the marathon distance in their own time and location on the same day, while raising money for the charity.

Further details about taking part can be found on the Hft website.