Juliet Lunam
9 April, 2025
News

First-time marathon runner tackling London race in celebration of hope

South London charity worker Graham Gordon is putting his best foot forward to support vulnerable communities around the world.

Graham Gordon is tackling his first London Marathon for Christian Aid.

Graham, who is Head of Global Advocacy and Policy at international development agency, Christian Aid, is taking part in the London Marathon to raise money for the organisation.

Graham said: “I vowed never to run a marathon but went to watch the London Marathon last year and it was such a fantastic atmosphere that I decided to give it a go! My training runs have taken in the beautiful South London Parks of Peckham Rye, Dulwich Park and Brockwell Park – with the longer ones taking me over to Clapham Common and Battersea Park.

“I recently visited Christian Aid programmes in Colombia, seeing the work of local organisations implementing the peace process after decades of conflict, as well as those supporting environmental defenders who are protecting their lands from deforestation and harmful mining practices. The courage and commitment of those I spoke to was inspiring and I am keen to support in whatever way I can.

“The London Marathon is a celebration of hope, creativity and resilience - of achievements of people who refuse to give up, and push through. This kind of celebration is much needed in our society and a welcome antidote to the despair we may feel when we look at global events.”

The money raised will help support projects, run by Christian Aid’s partners, in vulnerable communities around the world, tackling poverty and injustice.

This year, the organisation is marking its 80th anniversary and its London Marathon runners are all part of Team Hope – demonstrating the unstoppable power of hoping for a better future.

To support Graham Gordon please visit his fundraising page.

And to find out more about Christian Aid please go to  christianaid.org.uk.