Support our amazing London Marathon 2024 runners
These dedicated individuals are pushing themselves to the limit training in preparation for the event on 21 April.
And if that wasn’t enough, they’re running to raise funds for the people we support at Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity.
Click on their stories below to find out what led them to commit to running for Helen Arkell and how you can support them.
Once again we were delighted to be invited to the Princess of Wales’ Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey earlier in December. The service is a ‘moment to thank all those who work to support babies, young children and families’ and aims to being people together at Christmas time.
The lucky recipients of tickets this year were Julie Hall, our Services Manager; Claire Hughes, one of our consultants; Claire Harvey, our Head of Education; Lynne Adamson, one of Specialist Teachers; and Gill, our very recently retired Assessments Manager.
In Julie’s words, they had ‘amazing seats’ at the front of the Abbey with a great view of all the royals in attendance. Here is what Lynne had to say about this special afternoon:
‘Wow! I feel so lucky and privileged to have attended Carols at Westminster Abbey. It was a truly magical and heart-warming experience.
From the surprise mince pie to keep us going as we queued, to the awe as we entered the vast, beautifully decorated aisle, the eager anticipation was palpable as the expectant audience waited. Finally, the huge beam of the TV camera rising and turning to face the main aisle, was the signal that royalty had arrived and clutching our lit white candles, a solo choir boy’s voice began the first notes of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’. We were in for a treat!
There were celebrities galore, readings and poetry, poignant songs and great company from my fellow companions.
Afterwards, there was feverish photo taking from everyone as we walked slowly out, to secure this incredible experience as treasured memory keepsakes!’
And here are Gill’s thoughts:
‘There was such a happy vibe on Friday. While queuing outside we apparently looked like we were struggling to take a group selfie with the Abbey in the background so a kindly police officer offered to take the photo for us. Then once through security we were offered delicious mince pies. Very welcome.
So many people (perhaps the Princess’s friends and supporters) greeted everyone passing by, imploring us to have a good time. The Abbey really was absolutely stunning. It was so full of rich colours and beautiful trees and decorations.
We were seated pretty early but the time flew by as we people watched. A few celebs walked along the aisle in front of us. A young lad behind us caused a laugh when he excitedly shouted out “It’s Adam Lambert!”. Adam Lambert [a singer, if you don’t know] heard him and duly beamed and waved!
Such memories to treasure for a long time. Thank you so much for the opportunity. ‘
Huge thanks to our magnificent Royal Parks Half Marathon runners!
They did an amazing job running on 8 October. It was a warm day which was lovely to hang around in but not so great for running. Between them, Ceri, Peter, James, Jackie and Daxa raised a fantastic £4,400 to help us support adults and children with dyslexia!
If you would like to run for us next year, please subscribe to our e-newsletter – this is where we announce applications for the next event.
During Dyslexia Awareness Week, our magnificent Royal Parks Half Marathon team are taking part in the race in central London on Sunday 8 October.
By taking on this challenge they are not only raising funds for people with dyslexia but raising awareness too.
Good luck to Ceri, Alice, Peter, James, Jackie, Gary and Daxa.
We’ll be there cheering you on!
Please support their incredible efforts and help them get to the finish line!
A massive thank you to our 2023 London Marathon team, for going above and beyond for the cause of dyslexia, and for really making a difference in the world.
Six intrepid heroes signed up for the Helen Arkell team in this year’s London Marathon which took place on 23 April.
David, Debbie, Eskil, Justin, Sam and Steve all showed incredible determination to help us fulfil our mission to transform the lives of children and adults with dyslexia.
The months of intense training in order to manage the 26.2 miles in one piece involved running whatever the weather, on dark evenings after work and chilly early mornings.
On the day itself, the team all completed one of the greatest challenges there is, collecting their hard earned medals before celebrating with proud family and friends.
You can read their stories by clicking on their names below, and this will give you an insight into their own individual, personal reasons for putting their bodies on the line in this way.
And they would all be hugely grateful if you contribute a little something to their fundraising pages, because raising sponsorship can be as challenging as the running itself.
To join our 2024 London Marathon team, please apply here.
Support our amazing London Marathon 2023 runners
These dedicated individuals are pushing themselves to the limit training in preparation for the event on 23 April.
And if that wasn’t enough, they’re running to raise funds for the people we support at Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity.
Click on their stories below to find out what led them to commit to running for Helen Arkell and how you can support them.
The Royal Parks Half Marathon is one of the most beautiful city runs in the world. The stunning 13.1 mile route takes in the capital’s world-famous landmarks on closed roads, and four of London’s Royal Parks – Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens.
Taking part will raise funds to help us support children, young people and adults who have dyslexia.
We have places on #TeamArkell and would love you to join us! Register here.
Registered charity in England and Wales (1064646). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, company number 3432423.
