It Gets Better UK

James's page

James Marshall

James Marshall

My Story

The reason I’m running the London marathon is a testament to something many people don’t know about me - and the charity I’m running for can’t illustrate this better. Going quite deep suddenly, I never actually imagined myself to live past 15/16. I had a lot of severe issues with suicidal thoughts and actions, and the inability to confront one of my biggest fears - not being straight. This resulted in many things, not giving a 💩 in school, lack of social life because I couldn’t confront myself, good old bullying n occasional assault - all of which kinda put me over the edge and made me question if I ever wanted to get through to the other side, whether it was worth it. It was!

Although I made it out to the other side, so many people don’t. People and teenagers/children still sometimes (and increasingly often) can’t imagine a situation where they’re content with who they are as a person. Statistics are at their highest for trans suicide rates and the queer youth are very much still, if not increasingly suffering: recent politicisation of queer groups and heightened discrimination and phobias is getting extremely worrying. I’m running this not only for a fantastic charity, but also to prove the 14 year old me that I would go far, I would get past whatever traumas and feelings of hopelessness came my way, and that I would actually become comfortable with myself in ways unimaginable to my younger self. 

Enough about me ~ The charity I’m running for, It Gets Better UK, is an incredible cause dedicated to providing support and resources to queer youth who are feeling otherwise hopeless and uninspired in situations of low mental health and bullying. This cause also showcases older queer figures who overcame exclusion and settled into their real life, delivering video information and materials to help build resilience.

I have a fundraising target and would be so appreciative if anyone could donate - anything from £1 to £100 is so so appreciated and goes to supporting an amazing cause, whilst helping me run this enormous race (link in bio). x

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The London Marathon has become an annual, inspiring and colourful fixture in the world’s sporting calendar since the inaugural race on 29 March 1981: a celebration of fun, fundraising and fancy dress.

Over the years more than a million people have completed the 26.2-mile course – which runs from Blackheath to The Mall, with a spectacular finish in front of Buckingham Palace, showcasing the very best that the capital city has to offer.

What’s more, these participants have raised over a billion pounds for charity and there have been countless amazing tales of human achievement throughout the event’s history – living up to its aim of helping participants ‘to have fun, and provide some happiness and sense of achievement in a troubled world’.

It Gets Better UK

Raising for:

It Gets Better UK
84%

Funded

  • Target
    £1,800
  • Raised so far
    £1,520
  • Number of donors
    66

My Story

The reason I’m running the London marathon is a testament to something many people don’t know about me - and the charity I’m running for can’t illustrate this better. Going quite deep suddenly, I never actually imagined myself to live past 15/16. I had a lot of severe issues with suicidal thoughts and actions, and the inability to confront one of my biggest fears - not being straight. This resulted in many things, not giving a 💩 in school, lack of social life because I couldn’t confront myself, good old bullying n occasional assault - all of which kinda put me over the edge and made me question if I ever wanted to get through to the other side, whether it was worth it. It was!

Although I made it out to the other side, so many people don’t. People and teenagers/children still sometimes (and increasingly often) can’t imagine a situation where they’re content with who they are as a person. Statistics are at their highest for trans suicide rates and the queer youth are very much still, if not increasingly suffering: recent politicisation of queer groups and heightened discrimination and phobias is getting extremely worrying. I’m running this not only for a fantastic charity, but also to prove the 14 year old me that I would go far, I would get past whatever traumas and feelings of hopelessness came my way, and that I would actually become comfortable with myself in ways unimaginable to my younger self. 

Enough about me ~ The charity I’m running for, It Gets Better UK, is an incredible cause dedicated to providing support and resources to queer youth who are feeling otherwise hopeless and uninspired in situations of low mental health and bullying. This cause also showcases older queer figures who overcame exclusion and settled into their real life, delivering video information and materials to help build resilience.

I have a fundraising target and would be so appreciative if anyone could donate - anything from £1 to £100 is so so appreciated and goes to supporting an amazing cause, whilst helping me run this enormous race (link in bio). x

------

 

The London Marathon has become an annual, inspiring and colourful fixture in the world’s sporting calendar since the inaugural race on 29 March 1981: a celebration of fun, fundraising and fancy dress.

Over the years more than a million people have completed the 26.2-mile course – which runs from Blackheath to The Mall, with a spectacular finish in front of Buckingham Palace, showcasing the very best that the capital city has to offer.

What’s more, these participants have raised over a billion pounds for charity and there have been countless amazing tales of human achievement throughout the event’s history – living up to its aim of helping participants ‘to have fun, and provide some happiness and sense of achievement in a troubled world’.