Lee Hope, from Addlestone in Surrey is taking on the 2024 TCS London Marathon – one of the biggest events in the fundraising calendar – to raise both awareness and vital funds for us.

62-year-old Lee will be one of over 240 Mencap runners – including nine runners with a learning disability – taking on the iconic 26.2 miles route from east to west London, via the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and The Mall.

On Sunday 21st April, Lee - who has a learning disability - will be aiming to add to an impressive collection of 24 marathon medals. He completed his first marathon in 1996 when Mencap helped him get a place and he has run for Mencap every year since.

A fundraising legend, Lee has raised over £20,000 to support Mencap’s work. Lee’s goal is to get his 25th marathon medal, and to keep on getting medals, he isn’t thinking of stopping any time soon. Lee says “Being part of Mencap keeps me going and going, I love running for Mencap”

Lee, who is a member of Kingston Mencap - where his mother used to work, chose to fundraise for the learning disability charity because of the support he’s received, including opportunities to socialise with other people. Lee says “I really enjoy going to the Kingston Mencap where I help at fetes, spend time with my friends playing sports and games”.  

Lee hopes that his achievements help show other people with a learning disability that sport is for all and keeping fit is important in life.  

Every penny raised by Lee, and other Mencap runners, will go towards funding Mencap’s life-changing programmes, which aim to tackle stigma and help people with a learning disability lead happy and healthy lives.

Speaking about why he is running the 2024 London Marathon, Lee said: “I’m excited to run the London Marathon and be cheered on by the crowds. That’s my favourite part. They carry you on to the finish line and that’s a happy moment, they encourage you.”  

When asked is London Marathon better than your birthday he said, “Absolutely London Marathon is the most exciting day of the year, definitely better than my birthday!”

“It feels great to know you’ve achieved it, and you get a great big medal. I’m so proud of it, I’m proud of every medal I’ve achieved so far. I’ve got 24 London Marathon medals in my collection, and I just want to add more.”

“I would advise anyone do it, great to keep you fit, and it’s amazing on the day. You can even prepare for it just by walking.”

Jackie O’Sullivan, Acting Chief Executive, said:  

“Lee is an absolute legend.  This is his 25th marathon and he is living proof that people with a learning disability can achieve and excel.  He will be running alongside 240 members of Team Mencap in the 2024 London Marathon to raise vital funds for Mencap.  

"Join me in supporting Lee by cheering him on, on the day, and by donating to his fundraising page. Through your generosity and encouragement, we can continue to support people with a learning disability to lead happy and healthy lives.” 

You can support Lee through his fundraising page.