Candita to mark 43rd birthday running London Marathon for Hft

The mum of two is asking for donations instead of presents

A mum of two will be celebrating her birthday running the TCS London Marathon to raise money to support the work of learning disability charity Hft.

Candita Choffy will be marking her 43rd birthday by pounding the streets of London with thousands of other runners on April 26.

It will be the third time that the mum-of-two has run the marathon in aid of the charity.

Candita, a yoga teacher, learnt about the work of Hft when looking to compete in the event.

“A friend of mine suggested I run the marathon for a charity,” said Candita.

“I reached out for a charity place and was approached by Hft.”

Running for the charity had personal meaning for Candita. Both her teenage children are autistic and one of her cousins is learning disabled.

“As a family we supported my cousin in many ways,” said Candita.

“We were his caretakers through life and when I managed to secure a charity place to run for Hft, it was like it was meant to be.

“I felt an instant connection with the charity.

“Although my cousin wasn’t supported by Hft I felt it was really important for this kind of support to continue for others that need it.”

Candita, who lives in a small village in Bavaria, Germany, started running during lockdown – thanks to her Peloton machine.

Initially she started cycling and using the treadmill, before discovering a huge community of runners.

Candita visits London each year to meet friends from her online running community.

This year she will take part in the London Winter 10k and the London Landmarks event before tackling the 26.2 mile run around the capital.

Candita has been busy training for all her runs, running three to four times a week with her coach.

She also cycles twice a week.

This year, Candita is determined not only to raise as much money for Hft as possible, but to also record a personal best running time.

“Last year a friend of mine who was running twisted his knee,” said Candita.

“So I stayed with him to make sure he made it across the finishing line.

“This year I’d like to get around the route in sub five hours.”

As well as the London Marathon, Candita is scheduled to run the Cape Town Marathon later in the year.

Candita is asking for donations to her fundraising in lieu of birthday presents.

“I don’t want dinners or presents, I want donations towards my fundraising target for Hft.

“Running the London Marathon will certainly be a memorable way of celebrating my 43rd birthday,” she said.

Along with wearing her Hft running top, Candita is also planning another marathon fashion accessory  – having her nails painted in Hft’s colours.

Candita will be joined in London by her husband and two children, who will be cheering her on around the course.

“I am really excited about taking part this year and I know my family and my running community will be at various points around the course cheering me on.”

Hft Community Fundraising Manager Emma Macdonald said: “To take on one marathon is an amazing achievement, but to take on three in a row is truly extraordinary.

“Candita’s ongoing support for Hft is inspiring and we can’t thank her enough for the time, effort and passion she puts into fundraising.

“Her dedication helps ensure learning disabled adults can live their best life possible.”

Candita has set herself a target of raising £1800 for Hft. You can donate here http://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/candita-choffy