Six months of training, 42 kilometres, one reason why

11 February 2026

Born and raised in a military family, Leanne Fitzmaurice is no stranger to hard work or discipline. With a father who joined the Army as a Harrogate Apprentice and served for 25 years, reaching the rank of Sergeant in the Royal Signals, her only child now serving in the RAF, and other family members in the Armed Forces, Leanne is passionate about giving back to the Armed Forces community.

Set to join an elite group, Leanne, aged 44, will be running the London Marathon in 2026 - an immense physical and mental journey spanning 42.1 kilometres. Running in aid of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, Leanne feels a deep connection to the charity as it supports serving personnel, veterans and families like hers, who give so much in service to others. This includes one of Leanne’s family members, who came forward and shared how SSAFA helped them through an unexpected bereavement, as well as a number of her dad’s friends who shared that SSAFA has also played a significant role in their lives.

Leanne, based in Poole, Dorset, only started running a year ago. Since then, she has completed a half marathon and secured a place in one of the world's most iconic races, the London Marathon. As training intensifies, Leanne is drawing on the resilience and disciple shaped by her military upbringing - no ice or snow is stopping her, even joining a local gym during those frosty weeks to make sure she every kilometre was logged.

Leanne said: “They say the real marathon starts at 30km, as many runners experience that mental wall - energy drained, muscles aching.” But Leanne is certain her motivation will keep her head high and legs moving as “SSAFA’s work feels deeply personal to me.”

Leanne’s son joined the RAF aged just 17. After passing out from RAF Halton following basic training in January 2024, he is now working with drones while stationed at RAF Waddington, one of the RAF's busiest stations and a location which has a SSAFA serving community team.

“The RAF has been the true making of my son, the phrase ‘bursting with pride’ has never felt so real to me. Watching my son thrive in the military has been incredible; it’s given him the focus, purpose, and opportunities I always dreamed he would find, just as it did for me growing up in an Army family. 

“Seeing my dad and his friends as veterans and the charities that support them, SSAFA is one that encourages him to continue to stay plugged in to the community and be proud of his service. This experience has brought home how much the Armed Forces community shapes lives, not just for those who serve, but for their families, too.

“Every day I'm training, and when race day comes, I know that I'll be tapping into the strength and resilience our Armed Forces personnel show every day of service. It’s going to be a challenge, but this is my way of saving thank you and honouring those serving now, such as my son, those who have served, like my dad and those who will in the future.”

Since announcing SSAFA as her chosen charity, Leanne has received an overwhelming amount of support from friends and family, many of whom have an affiliation with the charity. 

Leanne said: “As I have begun this marathon journey, it has become apparent just how far reaching and diverse SSAFA’s support can be. They have been acting as a quiet help in the background, supporting those who need it.”