London Marathon - Take 2
April 2026, I will be taking on the London Marathon for a second time. For the last few years I’ve wanted to do something in the memory of an amazing friend we all sadly lost in 2022.
Matthew Whitcombe was a close friend, all the way through reception, primary school, secondary school, post school and until his last day with us. I will forever treasure the memories I had with Matty Boy, playing out the front on our bikes, playing football, playing Xbox, watching fresh prince, making (some of) our teachers regret their profession, Ice Skating every week, daily lockdown meet ups (sorry Boris), driving our motorbikes for as long as we could until the cold got us! My favourite memories of all though, any time I would make the big man laugh and hear his one of a kind giggle. Something I will NEVER forget!
The day we lost Matt was one of the most painful and worst days for anyone that was lucky enough to have known him. I am so thankful that between our group, we have such a good bond and all supported each other through our loss. But all we could think about was how this was impacting his family and how they would deal with the loss of their beloved son, grandson, brother, cousin and nephew.
We grouped together and made a memorial for Matt, at a bridge where we would visit almost daily on our motorbikes, and later held a balloon release. The turnout was unbelievable and speaks volumes of how loved Matty Boy was. We still visit that plot as much as we can, trying our best to share a moment with him. Our primary school has even dedicated an annual football tournament in his name, The Matthew Whitcombe Cup!
One of the greatest honours I have is carrying Matt to his final rest, something I am incredibly grateful to have been asked to do.
The amount that my friend and my brother meant to me is the reason I want to do something in his name, for a charity that means something. Matt’s parents told me they were incredibly grateful to the London Air Ambulance for their quick responses and for giving them the chance to say their goodbyes in person. With that, I began applying for a London Marathon charity place. Finally, I have got in and I can’t wait to get training again and raise as much money as I can!
To Matty Boy, we love and miss you big man and will forever remember the man you were!
London’s Air Ambulance is the charity that delivers an advanced trauma team to London’s most seriously injured patients. Your donation will help save more lives by keeping the helicopter in the air and the rapid response cars on the road, ready for when they are needed most. By providing intervention as quickly as possible after injury, London’s Air Ambulance Charity aims to give patients the best chance of survival, and best quality of life, after trauma.
I will be taking part in the TCS London Marathon 2025 running with the London's Air Ambulance Charity Team. Please give what you can to help save lives in London.
