4 April 2024

When a last-minute opportunity came about for Leah Unwin to run the London Marathon for Twins Trust, she jumped at the chance to realise her dream.

Twin mum Leah first ran the Great North Run for the charity when her boys, Fred and Solomon, were three-years-old. She will now join thousands of other runners as they pace the streets of the capital on 21 April for the marathon.

Leah has been busy training alongside home-schooling her boys, who are now 11-years- old. She spoke about what the experience means to her.

She said: “To be offered a place to run for Twins Trust in the London Marathon is a dream really. To open that email and realise I had a real opportunity was a shock but an absolute joy. I didn't even hesitate to take it up.”

Leah has taken what she describes as a ‘careful and considered approach’ to her training as she counts down to the big day and builds on her current fitness levels.

She and the twins love spending time together outdoors, including taking part in Parkruns.

She added: “It is probably harder fitting training in to be honest as I home educate my boys and I need to fit it round that. I took up running when the boys were around two-years-old as something for myself and to improve my fitness.

“When running the marathon, I will proudly wear my Twins Trust T-shirt. I'm so proud to be a twin mum. I can't wait to soak up the atmosphere and try to take in the landmarks. I will definitely find the distance tough. I'm very used to a half marathon but this is two half marathons back-to-back. The crowds and atmosphere will keep me going including the sweets handed out along the way and the people shouting your name. The thought of loved ones at the end is ultimately what will get me through.”

Twins Trust offers plenty of challenges for interested fundraisers to sign up for throughout the year, including skydives, wing walks or running and cycling events. Fundraisers can come up with their own ideas to support the charity too.

Encouraging others to sign up for fundraising events, Leah said: “I would say just go for it. It's such a unique experience and one you won't forget. The fact that you are doing something for a great cause is priceless.

“Twins Trust means a lot to me as I received guidance, help and support from the charity when the twins were born and when were due to start school. I fought my local authority for two years with the help of the Professional Referral Service. This was to allow them to start reception when they turned five instead of aged four, as they were summer born babies.

"Having twins or multiples is full of complex milestones, even the pregnancy itself. I'll be forever grateful that I've been blessed with twins.”

Support Leah’s fundraising here.