‘The London Marathon is a way to push myself while contributing to something bigger’

Daniel Nachshon, 44, from Chigwell: I’m running for Camp Simcha, which I hadn’t heard of until a couple of years ago. That changed when our closest friends’ baby boy was diagnosed with Tay Sachs disease. Watching them face something so devastating with such strength, dignity, and love has been extraordinary. Through it all, Camp Simcha has been a constant source of support for them, bringing light, care, and moments of joy during the darkest times. Seeing that firsthand really opened my eyes to how vital these organisations are for our community.

Peter Arbeid, 62, from Finchley: I’m running for Beit Halochem, which supports Israeli veterans with physical injuries and PTSD. There’s little else out there for these young men and women who’ve given everything for their country, and the charity does the most amazing job in terms of mental and physical rehabilitation. I’m also running for Dementia UK because I lost my mum about a year ago – she was 92, and in her last years she really struggled with it.

Runners take part in the TCS London Marathon on 27 April 2025 (photo: Getty Images)Getty Images

2. How will the funds raised help the charity?

JD: Chai receives no statutory funding and relies entirely on donations for its £4.1 million annual costs. The money raised will maintain and expand their services, from counselling and therapies to practical and home support for those too unwell to attend in person. With one in three clients now under 50, demand is growing, making fundraising even more important.

TL: They will help Jewish Care to continue and enhance the incredible services they provide, especially in terms exciting activities for their care home residents, like karaoke, musical performances, trips to places like Bournemouth and Brighton, and events for the Jewish festivals. It will also help to ensure that care homes are adequately staffed so all the residents are well looked after.

DN: Donations will go directly to support Jewish families affected by childhood illness. That includes days out and joyful experiences, the practical support of family liaison officers, and emotional and therapeutic support like counselling and art therapy sessions.

PA: Right now Beit Halochem is dealing with 19,000 new veterans since October 7 on top of an existing 51,000. They need a lot more money for their various forms of rehabilitation support, from specialised physical therapy to psychotherapy and PTSD support.

3. Why have you decided to do the London Marathon as your way to raise money for the charity?

JD: The London Marathon is one of the most iconic events in the world and an incredible platform to raise awareness and funds. For me, running is a personal challenge that requires discipline and consistency, and combining that with fundraising adds real purpose. It’s a way to push myself while contributing to something bigger than myself.

TL: Recently I have got really into running and it has really lifted me and helped me through some challenging times. I am making aliyah in the summer so thought that it would be my final opportunity to run the London Marathon so decided to go for it!

DN: I have been a keen runner for years but have never taken on a marathon, though it’s been on the bucket list for some time. The London Marathon is about as big as it gets in terms of running events and fundraising so what better way to make it happen than to support such a wonderful charity at the heart of our community.

PA: I’ve run the London Marathon a couple of times before and both times I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve found that the atmosphere is really electrifying – it’s internationally recognised by elite runners as being one of the most amazing marathons in the world to run. I’m aiming for a sub-3:30 time – my personal best is three hours and 15 minutes, and at nearly 63 I’m still desperately trying to scramble my way up to as close to that as I can!

Aerial view of the Tower of London as runners take part in the TCS London Marathon on 27 April 2025 (photo: Getty Images)Getty Images

4. How have you been preparing for the run over the past months?

JD: I’ve been following a structured training plan over several months, gradually increasing my mileage with a mix of long runs, speed work, and recovery sessions. I’ve also tried to maintain a balanced diet and prioritise sleep to support recovery. Investing in proper running shoes has also been helpful for staying injury-free.

TL: Training has been tough but so enjoyable! As I work in a school and need to be in by 7:45am, I have been waking up at 5:30am most days to go for a run in the morning, and my Sundays have been characterised by ravenous hunger and sore legs after my long Sunday morning runs.

DN: I started a 16-week training schedule from January and I don’t think I fully grasped the physical impact and toll the training would take, and a glute injury in February stopped me in my tracks for almost six weeks. I was able to recover to the point where I can run again, and it’s great to be back out pounding the pavement – but I won’t lie, it will be quite a relief once it’s over!

PA: I used a 16-week training plan to slowly build up over 13 weeks until I was doing 60 miles a week. A small amount of that is interval sessions, tempo runs, and speed work, then the rest is at easy conversational pace for endurance. Now I’m tapering for the last three weeks. As for gear, the number of running shoes I own is a source of amusement for my family – nowadays when I buy a new pair, I get them delivered to the local corner shop so my wife doesn’t see!

5. What will you be eating the night before and morning of the run?

JD: The night before, I’ll keep things simple with a carb-focused meal like pasta to maximise energy stores. In the morning, I’ll stick to something light and familiar, like porridge or toast with a banana, to provide steady energy without risking any stomach discomfort.

TL: ⁠The night before the run I’ll be having a pasta party – it’s all about the carb loading! Pasta is my favourite food, so marathon training has really just been an excuse to eat pasta five times a week. The morning of the run, I think I’ll have yoghurt and fruit.

DN: I know the norm is a giant portion of pasta, but for me, I think my carb load of choice will be a big bowl of Rice Krispies!

PA: The night before will be a very plain bowl of pasta, maybe just a little bit of olive oil or tomato sauce on it. In the morning, I’ll have toast and honey, a banana, and a cup of tea. Very plain and low fibre!

Click here to visit Jamie’s fundraising page, here for Tova’s, here for Daniel’s, and here for Peter’s.