RUNNING THE LONDON MARATHON FOR ABBOTSFORD

On Sunday 3rd October, 50,000 participants will take to the streets of London for the Virgin Money London Marathon. And for the first time ever one of those runners, John Fraser, will be raising money for The Abbotsford Trust.

The London Marathon has been running for 41 years, and this year sees its biggest ever race – with 50,000 people running in London (7,000 more than any previous year) and a further 50,000 running the race virtually, from their homes. The physical race kicks off just after 9am on Sunday 3rd October and will see John run 26.2 miles, from Blackheath to The Mall.

21-year-old John is a student at the University of Aberdeen, studying history. He is also training to be an Army Reserve Officer – which should help him complete the physical challenge of running the marathon.

John says “I'm hugely proud to be running for Abbotsford in the London Marathon. I have been visiting Abbotsford for years and always enjoy my time there. As a charity Abbotsford needs support, especially in the current climate, so I'm very pleased to be helping their fantastic work.”

Abbotsford have never entered a mass event before; this is a brand-new way of raising money and awareness for The Trust. We felt the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scott was the perfect opportunity to try something new! Luckily for us John also decided that 2021 was a great year to try something new too! All funds raised by John will go in our 250th Anniversary Appeal to restore the pavilion, discover the secrets in our archive and enable more people to experience the magic of Abbotsford.

We are delighted to have John join Team Abbotsford and help raise funds in this momentous year. We will be sharing John’s journey over the next 4 months on our social media channels, and through emails for our Friends and supporters. Please follow along, and join us in supporting him!

Sponsor John

Why did you decide to run the London Marathon?

I was asked and being someone who likes keeping active and taking on new challenges I couldn't refuse such an offer!

And why for Abbotsford?

The Abbotsford Trust does a huge amount of work both in and around Abbotsford House. They deserve our support for the important part of the national history they maintain.

What are you most looking forward to?

Crossing the finishing line.

And what are you most nervous about?

Collapsing before I reach the finishing line.

Who will be supporting you?

Friends and family, and the Abbotsford Trust.

If you could go for a (slow) run and a chat with anyone, who would it be?

It would have to be Arthur Wellesley