On 11th October 2026, Hannah will be running the Royal Victoria Half Marathon in British Columbia, Canada.

Hannah is an original member of the Hannah’s Home team, first visiting Blantyre in 2011 and returning for the official opening of the Home in 2012. Since the inception of the Home, Hannah has led multiple fundraising challenges and events from epic walks, including the length of Hadrian’s Wall, to coffee mornings. 

The Victoria Half Marathon is not Hannah’s first foray into the running world. Back in 2019, her next-door neighbour, Jade, sent a text: “If anyone wants to, or knows anyone who wants to, run the marathon, put them in touch with me.” The marathon in question being the infamous London Marathon. The charity Jade worked for had several running spots available. Hannah, a firm non-runner, replied: “I 100% would, but at the mo, I get out of breath running for the bus, so I’m not sure I could get myself into shape quick enough.” After all, these messages were being sent in October and the marathon was just a few short months away in April.

Well. You can guess what happened next. Hannah suddenly found herself being measured up for trainers and receiving all the hints and tips from the charity’s running coach.

The training was hard and the big day quickly arrived. With multiple friends and family members dotted around the course with their unmissable signs, Hannah ran the route in just over 4.5 hours. 

When she was done and had come down from the high of the event, Hannah said that she would continue running stupid distances on the regular so she could sign up to events like the Victoria Half Marathon on a whim. Well, joke's on her. After moving to Canada later in 2019, she met her now-husband, fell madly in love, moved to the suburbs, got a dog, and popped out two children. And somewhere in the beautiful chaos, she lost her tolerance for running, along with her trainers and sports bra.

That brings us to today.

A common theme in Hannah’s running journey is text messages from next-door neighbours. In April 2026, it was Lisa, who messaged: “I was gonna ask if you’re gonna try to do another marathon soon? I’d love a running buddy!”

This time, it took less convincing. Partly because training will be a good excuse to escape the mad house on a semi-regular basis, and partly (and most importantly) because Hannah knows there are so many vital needs and wants at Hannah’s Home, as well as future projects we are desperately keen to save for. Running a new race provided the perfect opportunity to fundraise for them.

It will be a challenge. Hannah’s Garmin lives beneath a thick layer of dust and she hasn’t touched a pair of trainers in over 4 years. But with a good playlist and your support, we know she can do it!

If you would like to sponsor Hannah’s half marathon, please visit: www.justgiving.com/page/hannah-b-5