“I see every day how TSC has affected Trystan and see how the work of the TSA has benefited the family with help and support.”

Marc Evans, one of our London Marathon runners for 2014, on elite marathon running and raising money for Tuberous Sclerosis. To follow all the TSA marathon runners on Sunday 13 April visit our Twitter feed @UKTSA

This London marathon will be my 9th time and the second time raising money for the TSA.  I have always been a keen runner, during my younger days representing Wales and also running the London Marathon at elite level with a personal best time of 2hrs 38min.  Now I just tend to keep fit and always thought of doing the marathon once more and take in the experience of the occasion and atmosphere as not been able to in the past due to being so competitive.  Why the TSA? Well simple really, I work as a support worker for Trystan James who has the genetic disorder TSC. Marie James, Trystan’s mother, is a trustee member with the TSA and I see every day how TSC has affected Trystan and see how the work of the TSA has benefited the family with help and support, and also vital research for this such rare condition. So I thought this would be an ideal opportunity raising money and awareness for the TSA for the work this great charity does.  

Training is going really well apart from the odd blister now and again, started back in the new year and have already done two 26 mile training runs locally taking in the views of such a beautiful area I live in, so on the day I’m hopeful of getting round in one piece. I have shown many of my runs on social media using my Nike plus running app. Social media has also helped with raising awareness and money, it’s a great tool for getting people to see what I’m doing and who for. 

I have also been in the local press and raised so much awareness that my local MP Jonathan Edwards has helped out with training and raising awareness for the TSA.  I have also found it easier collecting money through the site Virgin Money Giving. It’s very easy to use and I linked it with my social media pages, my friends and local businesses have seen it and donated generously and to date I’m currently over the £800 mark. Fingers crossed – currently on course reaching my £1500 target.  

I’m really looking forward to the day. It will be a great occasion with wonderful people all doing a great challenge for their charities. I will take my time enjoy it and take it all in and look forward to having that pint after I cross the finish line.  

I would like to thank the TSA for giving me the opportunity to represent a great charity in the London Marathon this year.

You can sponsor Marc via his JustGiving page and leave a message of support on ourFacebook page.