On Sunday 23rd April 2023, 17 runners took on the iconic London Marathon as part of #TeamDEBRA!

It was a grey morning in London but the drizzle didn't dampen our runners spirits! The streets were filled with the buzz of music and people cheering.

So far, the team have raised an incredible £91,000 to help stop the pain for people living with EB.

Many of our runners had personal connections to DEBRA, either living with EB themselves or running for loved ones who live with EB.

 Left: Mark and Michaela with their two daughters at the London Marathon finish line, Right: Melanie holds her London Marathon medal at the finish!

Husband and wife, Michaela and Mark (photographed above) ran their first marathon together. Mark and both of their daughters live with EB Simplex. Their daughters were there to cheer them on throughout the 26.2 mile course and meet them at the finish line.

The mild version we have in our family (EB Simplex) mainly means easy blistering of feet (and hands), so running a marathon is not recommended! Particularly in the warmer months, we can have multiple blisters at any one time which need pricking, bathing, bandaging and even simple tasks such as putting on shoes and walking can be challenging and very painful. Michaela and I are fortunate to have this opportunity to raise money for DEBRA and will be thinking about all the EB sufferers every step of the way.

 Left: Paul Critcher and his family in front of the London skyline, Right: Ravi wearing his London Marathon medal at the finish!

Paul Critcher, who ran the London Marathon for DEBRA just 6 months ago in October, ran again in memory of his Godson Freddie Fincham, who passed away from a rare type of EB in January 2021 at the age of 14.

Freddie like others with EB was so brave whilst dealing with his condition, Although in constant severe pain his positive outlook meant this never held him back. The thought of this pushed me to take on the marathon last year and its the same this year #bemorefreddie. We miss Freddie so so much, he will live in our hearts forever and although there is nothing that can bring him back we can raise awareness and funds in his memory to help some of the bravest people in the world. Those that have the EB condition and the family's and friends that offer so much support.

A huge congratulations to all our extraordinary runners: Jaco Jacobs, Melanie Kobras, Ellie Walker, Gareth Howell, Francesca Jankowska, Tim Russell, Olivia Williams, Chris King, Jon Symcox, Charlie Steedman, Brenton Blanchard, Arina Vodyanitskaya, Mark McMillan, Michaela MacMillan, Ravi Popat, Paul Critcher and Patrick Knight.

We can't thank you enough for helping us stop the pain for people living with EB.

 

Inspired to take on a challenge for DEBRA?

Whether it's skydiving, running a marathon or trekking across the Sahara desert, our challenge events are an opportunity to push yourself to the limits and raise money to stop the pain for people living with EB.

 

Find out more