Yes that’s right. My legendary brother, who’s only 18, is currently in India, preparing to run the EPIC 26 mile Mumbai Marathon this Sunday 20th January!
So far he has raised £300 for Oxfam ahead of Sunday’s marathon but if we can get him closer to his target of £500 – that would be amazing! Any donations big or small will be greatly appreciated.
Have a look at his Charity Giving page and please donate whatever you can.
Read on for a little background information on how this all came about…
Considering the fact that I can barely run one mile, I am totally in awe of my not-so-little baby brother. He’s pushing himself to the very limit by doing one of the world’s most challenging marathons in the humidity of Mumbai.
Oli is currently on his year off whilst deciding what he wants to do at University. Unlike me, who spent my year off working behind a bar and generally being a bit of a bum, Oli has been working hard and volunteering once a week at the local Oxfam store. Charity and volunteering has always meant a lot to him, so combining this with his new passion for running is quite the achievement.
His reason for being in India is not just the marathon. When all my Dad’s children (there are six of us!) turn 18, he takes us on what he calls an Osho Pilgrimage to Pune. My Dad, the hippy colourful soul that he is, has a commune in Pune, near Mumbai, where he has spent much time learning the meditation teachings of Osho. All us kids go with him to understand why India means so much to him and it is a very special trip in our family. I have nothing but fond memories of my trip ten years ago.
Dad, being the big supporter of Oli’s new found love of running, discovered that the marathon was on during this pre-planned trip and Oli was delighted to have a go at another marathon – this time in a very different climate! Whilst in India, he is also doing work experience at the Pune branch of Oxfam India, so not only is he lending a hand, he’s raising hundreds of pounds towards this vital organisation.
Oli ran one half marathon and the full Liverpool marathon last year. He finished in a very speedy 4 hours 8 minutes – which is apparently super fast for a first attempt at a full marathon!
So as a very proud big sister, I wish my Oli all the luck in the world! After so much training, you deserve to rock that marathon! GO BRO!! XXX
And here’s the winning pic! An exhausted but accomplished Oli – finished in 3 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds! Beat his record!





































