Aemilia Polkey

My why:

I’m incredibly excited (and a little nervous!) to share that I’ve been offered a place in the London Marathon 2027, running in support of Asthma + Lung UK.

As someone who is completely new to running, taking on 26.2 miles will be one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced. It will push me physically, mentally, and emotionally, but I couldn’t think of a more meaningful reason to do it.

As many of you know, I lost my dad in November.

Anyone who had the privilege of knowing him will remember him as a determined, strong-minded, motivated, funny, kind, loving, and caring man. He was the sort of person who could achieve anything he set his mind to and inspired those around him every day. 

Losing my dad has completely changed my perspective on life, my priorities, and what truly matters. His life was filled with love, adventure, laughter, and unforgettable memories, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have shared 26 wonderful years with him. We created so many special memories together—memories I would give anything to relive. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him. This is for you dad, I know you’ll be looking down and I just know you would have been my biggest cheerleader, as you was throughout the special years we had together ❤️

To honour my dad, his life, and the love he gave to me, I wanted to take on something that would challenge me beyond anything I’ve done before. Running the London Marathon is that challenge.

I am proud to be raising money for Asthma + Lung UK, a charity that means a great deal to me and my family. They provide vital support to people living with lung conditions and their families, while funding life-changing research that has the potential to improve and save lives.

I am also incredibly grateful for the support of the RAPT Therapy Team at DRI, who will be taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge alongside my fundraising efforts. Their support means more than I can put into words.

As they said:

“As a team, we want to show our support for our friend and colleague, Aemilia, while helping to raise funds for the vital work Asthma + Lung UK does in supporting individuals and families affected by lung disease, as well as funding life-changing research. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help us honour the memory of Aemilia’s dad and make a difference to others facing similar challenges. We appreciate all your love and support—please dig deep and pray for our legs on the day!”

Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing updates on my training, fundraising events, and marathon journey. If you’re able to support us, whether through a donation, sharing this post, or simply offering encouragement, I would be so grateful.

This marathon is for my dad. ❤️