My Story

As an Olympic high jumper I never ran more than 9 strides! Now I'm well and truly stepping out of my comfort zone to make my Marathon debut on 21st April 2024 and 'running for Ron'.

Believe it or not (and many of you won't!), more than 20 years after hanging up my high jump spikes, I'm tackling the full 26.2 miles of the TCS London Marathon.

I'm fundraising for the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund - for whom I've been a Trustee for almost 15 years - and in memory of my friend Shaun Pickering, who unexpectedly passed away last year.

Shaun was the son of the great Ron Pickering - much loved and highly respected former coach, mentor and iconic commentator and presenter (remember BBC Superstars?) - and was instrumental along with his Mum Jean in setting up the Fund in 1991 in his father's memory.

I'm especially proud to join our team of Ronners for London in 2024 after years supporting and encouraging their efforts from beside the Marathon course each year.  Also by directly fundraising - continuing to support young athletes, many of whom may not benefit from the necessary support networks, funding and therefore opportunities to succeed.

Every penny donated will help the Fund continue it's work to encourage and support talented young athletes achieve more in their future.

Some more background below on my story which has led me to the start line next Sunday 21st... but please feel free to skip this and just donate! 

I had the honour of becoming a trustee of the The Ron Pickering Memorial Fund (RPMF) nearly 15 years ago.  Having known Jean Pickering for many years - an ever-present figure at many athletics events - Jean cornered me at the London Marathon Expo, asked what I was up to and whether I'd like to become involved with the Fund.  Jean was an expert in persuasion and I'm delighted that she picked me out for a chat over a cup of tea that day.

Helping the next generation of British athletes is something I'm incredibly proud to be a part of - formerly in my various performance and junior/youth team management roles at British Athletics, and continuing with my voluntary role with RPMF.

Ron and Jean's son Shaun, one of my good friends and fellow competitors at the 1998 Commonwealth Games (where we won medals for Wales and England respectively) was instrumental along with Jean in establishing RPMF following Ron's untimely death in 1991.  Shaun indeed took over the mantel from Jean when she herself sadly passed away in 2013.

Many of us in the athletics world were shocked by the sudden passing of Shaun in 2023. Following in his parents’ footsteps by excelling in the field of athletics and then continuing their legacy in the role of mentor and coach, Shaun inspired, supported and guided so many in their development.

Shaun’s own legacy, aligning with that of his parents, will continue to provide invaluable support to young athletes. Indeed Shaun took the Fund, with a small team of volunteers, to a position where over £2.5million has now been awarded in athlete grants.

The work of the Fund not only provides much needed financial support to talented young athletes to help overcome barriers, but also provides a much needed confidence boost in knowing that their talent has been recognised.

Many have gone on to gain international selection and some winning Olympic and World Championship medals - around 75% of GB Track & Field senior athletes have at some stage received RPMF support.

RPMF grants are only possible each year through London Marathon's support and with fundraisers 'running for Ron' (our 'Ronners' as we call them) and it's their efforts that keep the Fund going each year.

So... this year it's my turn to #RunforRon !

Thank you for your support.  Jx