MARK TAKES ON THE LONDON MARATHON FOR BIG PURPLE PANTS

On 26 April 2026, Mark Young took on the London Marathon in support of Big Purple Pants.

After securing a place through the ballot, Mark chose to run for BPP – a charity close to home, supporting women living with secondary breast cancer across Essex.

Through the generosity of friends, family and supporters, Mark raised an incredible £1,673.

WHY MARK RAN

On his JustGiving page, Mark shared what motivated him to take on the challenge.

With a close family friend benefiting from the support Big Purple Pants provides, he had seen first-hand the difference the charity makes – the connection, understanding and community it offers at a time when it’s needed most.

That became his reason to run.

Training didn’t come easy, with injuries and ongoing niggles along the way, but the focus stayed the same – get to the start line and raise as much as possible for BPP.

THE DAY ITSELF

Mark shared these words the day after the marathon:

“Despite months of training, plagued by injuries and niggles, and no matter what preconceptions I had about how it would go, nothing could have prepared me for the incredible waves of encouragement provided by the crowds in their thousands lined along the whole route.

Having complete strangers shouting your name, offering you sweets and water, children hi-fiving you, the hilarious handmade signs and other runners geeing you up really lifted me when I was struggling and carried me onto the finish.

Add to that the amazing volunteers handing out water, ice and energy drinks and the physios that helped me with my painful feet along the way really made for an amazing day, one I will never forget.

What a privilege it has been to have taken part in the iconic London Marathon and to have raised some money for BPP thanks to the overwhelming generosity of friends and family.

The soles of my feet have paid the price and very nearly dictated how the day went, but my reason ‘Why’ pulled me through. Final score – sore feet 1 – pride 2!”

COMMUNITY SUPPORT BEHIND THE SCENES

As with so many of these efforts, it’s not just about the person taking part – it’s the people around them who help make it happen.

A big thank you to Dandelion Prints, who kindly printed Mark’s running shirt free of charge. It’s a small gesture on the surface, but it’s support like this that helps bring everything together and shows how local businesses continue to get behind what we do.

EVERY EFFORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Mark’s run is a brilliant example of the different ways people choose to support Big Purple Pants.

From taking on something as big as the London Marathon, to smaller, personal fundraisers – it all helps us continue supporting people living with secondary breast cancer.

You can also read how Libby’s marathon inspired further fundraising here.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

If you’ve been thinking about raising funds for Big Purple Pants, we’d love to hear from you – it doesn’t have to be a marathon! Get in touch info@bigpurplepants.org.uk

You can also still support Mark’s incredible effort on his Just Giving page.

Thank you to Mark, and to everyone who supported him along the way 💜