Why Gemma Wotherspoon is running two London races three weeks apart

Most runners give themselves months to recover after a marathon. Gemma Wotherspoon is taking on a half marathon just three weeks before a full one, and both races trace back to the same person.

From Brighton to London

In April, Gemma completed the Brighton Marathon and raised £1,365 for Cornwall Air Ambulance. She has described it as an unforgettable experience, from the crowds and the atmosphere to the challenge itself.

“Crossing the finish line was one of my proudest achievements,” she said, adding that it is a race she would love to run again.

Now she has secured a charity place in the London Marathon, and the reason behind it is a deeply personal one.

A challenge in his memory

April brought heartbreak too. A week after the Brighton Marathon, Gemma’s grandad, Malcolm Rawlinson, passed away at the age of 95.

As a child, Malcolm spent 13 years in a Barnardo’s home. Gemma said the care he was shown meant a great deal to the family, and she wanted to give something back.

Her place in the London Marathon is for Barnardo’s, with a fundraising target of £2,600. Every donation, she said, will help the charity continue supporting vulnerable people and families, just as it supported her grandad for so many years.

Two races, two charities

The London Marathon is not the only event on her calendar. Her marathon place is for 25 April 2027. Three weeks earlier, on 4 April 2027, Gemma will take on the London Landmarks Half Marathon, continuing to raise money for Cornwall Air Ambulance.

That means two major events, weeks apart, for two charities she holds close.

“This journey is about more than running,” she said. “It’s about gratitude, remembrance, and making a difference.” Every mile, she added, will be dedicated to her grandad’s memory.

How to support the fundraising

Donations can be made through Gemma’s two JustGiving pages, one for each charity:

• Barnardo’s, London Marathon: https://www.justgiving.com/page/gemma-wotherspoon-31
• Cornwall Air Ambulance, London Landmarks Half Marathon: https://www.justgiving.com/page/gemma-wotherspoon-30

There is also a run of fundraising events happening across Bodmin through the summer, split between the two charities:

• Saturday 13 June, teddy tombola and collection at Asda for Cornwall Air Ambulance
• Tuesday 23 June, bingo at Chapel-An Gansblydhen Bodmin, the former Wetherspoon
• Saturday 4 July, teddy tombola and collection outside the Cornwall Air Ambulance shop in Bodmin for heritage day
• Tuesday 14 July, fundraiser at Chapel-An Gansblydhen Bodmin, for Barnardo’s
• Friday 17 July, quiz night at the MK Cocktail Lounge & Sports Bar Bodmin, for Barnardo’s
• Tuesday 21 July, bingo at Bodmin Band & Social Club for Cornwall Air Ambulance
• Saturday 1 August, collection at Asda Bodmin for Cornwall Air Ambulance
• Saturday 15 August, collection at Asda Bodmin for Barnardo’s

Gemma has thanked everyone who has backed her so far, saying their encouragement, donations and kind words have meant the world. The £2,600 target is still to be reached.