Meet our London Marathon runners

This April, two passionate book-lovers, Helen and Francesco, will be lacing up their trainers and taking on the iconic London Marathon – all to help more children discover the magic of reading.

Helen is the owner of Wonderland Bookshop, an award-winning children’s bookshop in Retford, and Francesco is the Lead Bookseller at Waterstones Darlington. With both working closely with books every day, they see first-hand the life-changing impact stories can have on children and their families.

Read on to discover their motivations, their training journeys, and what will carry Helen and Francesco over the finish line.

Helen: ​“I own and run Wonderland Bookshop, which is a children’s bookshop. I know how important books are and how much they mean to children and their families. The world is overwhelming and ever more fractured, and books for children are more important than ever, sparking joy, building communities, offering comfort, teaching empathy and more. Every child deserves access to books, and books to call their own, and being able to support BookTrust in their work doing just that is a no brainer. And what better way to support and celebrate the National Year of Reading?”

Francesco: ​“Books have shaped who I am. Growing up in Italy, books were my window into the world and my first connection to the English language, helping prepare me to understand the language of the country that would later become my home. I moved to the UK with a deep love for words, languages, and stories, and now, as a Lead Bookseller and a Creative Writing graduate, I see every day the power books have to open minds and build confidence in young readers.

“I want to run the London Marathon for BookTrust because I believe every child deserves the chance to fall in love with reading, no matter their background. Books give children a safe space to dream, explore, and discover who they are, and they help build the language and communication skills that will guide them for life. In a world that can be isolating and challenging, books can give children hope, courage, and joy.

“Working in a bookshop, I see the spark in a child’s eyes when they find a story that feels like it was written just for them. I see parents wanting to share stories with their children but sometimes not knowing where to start or being unable to afford books. This is why BookTrust’s work is so important, making sure children across the UK have access to books and the support they need to become readers for life.”

Helen: ​“I see the difference that books make to children’s lives. Through conversations and story times, it’s incredibly moving when you understand how a book or a story has resonated with someone. I also remember the book pack I received when my daughter was born; I think the words ​“slow snail slides slowly” will be forever more imprinted into my brain. It’s so important that the work continues.”

Francesco: ​“I’m a reader and a writer, and some of my best memories are rooted in books and stories. Sometimes I wonder if a reading witch put a spell on me, because I can’t stop loving the smell of books, the feel of them in my hands, and the way a cover can pull you in before you’ve even read the synopsis. As an adult, I still try to recreate those childhood moments: finishing homework, sitting in a quiet corner with a lamp and a hot drink, and escaping into a story. Reading is willpower. It’s fuel. And when I think that some children – the adults of tomorrow – may never experience that simple joy, I feel privileged, and also responsible.”

Helen: ​“The best laid plans often go wrong and tonsillitis, a broken toe and a chest infection have definitely disrupted plans. But plans can be changed and adapted. Long runs are generally on a Sunday and shorter runs before the shop opens. I don’t always want to go out, but I always feel good after.”

Francesco: ​“I tend to run before work, and I leave my long run for my days off, as these are very important not to skip and require a lot of physical and mental energy. What I’ve been learning so far is that marathon training is challenging not just because of work, family, or social commitments, but also because life can throw unexpected obstacles in your way. For example, in January I caught a strong flu and had an inflamed lymph node, so I had to pause my training. Not to mention the unpredictable weather conditions. However, long-distance runs are truly helping me develop new habits. The most important one for me is kindness. I’ve had great weeks where I managed to fit in my three runs in the morning, stretching sessions, and mobility exercises. I’ve also had days when I could only run for 20 minutes instead of 40 minutes, or I had to reschedule runs after work despite the tiredness. Building a kind voice in my head is helping me use my time more effectively and stick to my plan, while truly listening to my body and remembering to recover and fuel myself. This mindset is helping me feel more energised at work, with friends and family, and hopefully more empathetic too: all aspects that are important to me in my everyday life and in the way I connect with others.”

Helen: ​“I’ve been lucky enough to do London Marathon before on a ballot place and I can’t wait to do it again as it really is an experience. It’s a giant community and everyone genuinely wants everyone else to do well and complete the course. The support is incredible and I can’t wait to experience it again for BookTrust!”

Francesco: ​“I’m most excited about being surrounded by runners from across the UK and around the world. In previous races, I’ve loved chatting with fellow participants about why we run and which charities we’re supporting. I think this will make the run even more special. Me, Helen, and many other runners, as well as people who may not usually run, will be transforming physical and mental endurance into contributions that can make a real difference in people’s lives. This is absolutely a rare moment to experience.”

Helen: ​“Go for it. You regret the things you don’t do far more than those you attempt.”

Francesco: ​“Let it be! Life is challenging, and so is training. You can’t always control every run or every workout. Things go wrong. I started running over one year ago, and I remember thinking I would never be able to complete my first 10k race. However, being surrounded by other runners, I gradually built more confidence and discovered new techniques. Alongside family and friends, the BookTrust team has allowed me and Helen to discover useful tools from previous marathoners. This is making me feel very special and not alone. Knowing there are people who believe in me and want to help me find the right techniques to complete this challenge means so much. Finally, if running a marathon has crossed your mind, don’t overthink it, just go for it! Let it be. And trust me. People will support you.”

Helen: ​“Knowing how lucky I am to be doing this for BookTrust and how much difference the monies raised really will make to the charity, and in turn, knowing how many children and young people will be supported.”

Francesco: ​“Humour will carry me through the toughest miles. I imagine listening to What a Feeling by Irene Cara, jumping in the air like Jennifer Beals in Flashdance, and fully embracing my inner 80s dancer. When I run with the beat, you might see me smiling, even if I’m swearing inside at aching muscles, but refusing to stop. I truly want to keep going because, when I applied to run in aid of BookTrust, I didn’t expect to become so involved and to witness firsthand the impact of Storytime and their BookTrust Toddler and Pre-schooler packs. I visited Darlington Library a few weeks ago to attend one of the BookTrust Storytime sessions. At the end, I immediately sent WhatsApp messages to friends who had babies, telling them what an amazing achievement it is to read together and the benefits they’ll gain by putting literacy at the centre of their goals, alongside the wonderful memories. So, if running with humour can help families and children enjoy reading, you’ll definitely see me jumping like Jennifer Beals when the going gets tough.”

Helen: ​“Knowing what it means to BookTrust will mean a huge amount, and that in a small way, I’ve helped to get books into the hands of children. And knowing that despite the challenges, I’ve got there!”

Francesco: ​“I’ve never been a sporty person and have often struggled to truly accept who I am. But literacy and stories became my emotional shield, protecting me from criticism and helping me find myself.

“If (or hopefully when) I complete the London Marathon, it will mean I’ve won a mental game and silenced the voices that told me I’m not good enough.

These are exactly the feelings I have while writing this now. They remind me why I’m doing this. We are all responsible, in some way, for the children in our lives, and my biggest question is: What can the adult I am now do to turn these feelings into action? Completing the marathon is also an archetype for the difference I hope this fundraising and the donations will make for the millions of families that BookTrust supports. Crossing the finish line, knowing it’s just the beginning for other children, truly shows that a brilliant future is still ahead, and I’ve helped support it thanks to your engagement, empathy and donations.”

Helen: ​“Firstly, a huge thank you for considering supporting BookTrust through my run! £10 could support 3 babies with additional needs with books and resources, so your support really enables the charity to do their amazing work getting books to where they need to be. And it really is incredible motivation knowing that people support your challenge.”

Francesco: ​“If you choose to support my run, you’re supporting BookTrust and its mission. It means we share the same values, and that in this marathon of life, we want to reach the finish line together, no matter how long it takes or how hard it gets. Just £10 could help a family receive books that encourage a child to read, connect, and build a safe, extraordinary life. I truly hope that supporting my run can spark something meaningful in the lives of donors. Whatever challenges you may be facing, you are not alone. Like in any marathon, there is a finish line and together, we can reach it.”