2023-04-21 13:33:08
Brothers continue the family tradition as they tackle the 2023 TCS London Marathon in aid of Hft
Two brothers are keeping it in the family as they prepare to take on the iconic challenge of the TCS London Marathon on Sunday in aid of national learning disability charity, Hft.
Olly and Will Doggett are following in the footsteps of their father, Nigel, cousin Jo, her fiancé Dave, and their uncle Ed, who have all covered the 26.2 miles for charity in previous years.
The brothers were inspired to run for Hft, having experienced some of the amazing work the charity’s carers do to help adults with learning disabilities, including their uncle, Nick. They have already raised over £5000.
“I have always known about the London Marathon, as it is something our dad has done, as have other family members. I used to watch bits of it on lazy Sunday mornings as I loved watching the professionals finish in front of Buckingham Palace – there’s nothing quite like it,” says Olly.
He relates how his brother, Will, phoned him just before a university lecture to say he had signed up for the challenge and it didn’t take much to persuade him to join in.
Will says he was particularly inspired to sign up when he went to watch it in October 2022 to support family and friends who were running.
“The atmosphere on the day was electric and made me want to run it myself. The next day I signed up without a second thought,” he explains.
This will be the marathon debut for both; Will has run two half marathons – one in 2013 in support of the Peruvian charity Amantani, and another in 2019 in aid of Sarcoma UK, while Olly has run a few half marathons, two of which have been in a race atmosphere.
Although they have suffered injuries during training, they are now fit and raring to go. Olly, who is at university in Cambridge, was trying to fit in the long-distance running alongside university hockey and ended up getting ITB syndrome while Will suffered a minor abductor injury in January.
However, they have been inspired by the training, finding it both physically and mentally healing, particularly training while on holiday in Devon. “The coastline is just beautiful, especially at sunset, despite the brutal hills,” says Olly, while Will agrees: “The training has been great not only for my physical health but also my mental health – I have noticed a marked improvement in my general wellbeing since I started training in January.
“The training has also opened up a whole new world in London where I have been getting to know the local running routes, particularly Victoria Park and Regents Canal.”
“The training gets you fit, the fundraising is both rewarding and helps a great cause, and I’m sure race day will be mega,” says Olly.
Both are excited for Sunday and are eager to crack on and run, although they know they will feel the nerves on Saturday evening.
“This is just running so how hard can it be?” laughs Olly. “But this one is for the carers.”
Says Emma Macdonald, Community Fundraising Manager for Hft: ““We’re so grateful to people like Will and Olly, who take on these incredible challenge events to raise money for Hft. Their efforts mean we’re able to support people with learning disabilities to live the best life possible and we can’t thank them enough.”
If you would like to support Olly and Will, please head to their JustGiving pages.
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
