Three Fundraisers. 26.2 Miles. One Powerful Cause.
On Sunday 26 April 2026, three brilliant supporters took on the TCS London Marathon MyWay challenge in support of SOB – Survivors Of aBuse.
Damian Hader, Gemma Serpillo and Paul Johnston each committed to completing 26.2 miles their way, running and walking to raise vital funds for our work supporting adult survivors of abuse.
Together, they have raised approximately £2,141 so far, with donations still making a difference.
At the time of writing:
Gemma Serpillo has raised £861 from 40 donors, reaching 132% of her target.
Paul Johnston has raised £680 from 26 donors, reaching 113% of his target.
Damian Hader has raised £600 from 14 donors, reaching 100% of his target.
Every pound raised helps Survivors Of aBuse continue its work with survivors, including our accredited Breaking the Cycle™ programme and wider recovery support pathway.
Fundraising like this does more than raise money. It helps keep survivor recovery visible. It reminds people that abuse can have a lifelong impact, but with the right support, people can rebuild their lives, confidence, health and future.
Having run the London Marathon myself in 2010, before going on to have four hip surgeries, including two hip replacements, I know just how much it takes to complete 26.2 miles.
The training.
The mindset.
The physical challenge.
The sheer determination to keep going.
This was not just about distance. It was about standing with survivors, raising awareness, and helping fund support that changes lives.
Damian Hader – Damian X Mechanik / HDH Mobile Mechanic
Damian Hader taking on the TCS London Marathon MyWay for Survivors Of aBuse.
Damian Hader took on the challenge and raised £600 for Survivors Of aBuse.
Damian runs Damian X Mechanik / HDH Mobile Mechanic, providing mobile vehicle repairs, servicing and diagnostics. His work supports people who need reliable help with their vehicles without the usual stress of getting to a garage.
Website: https://hdhcarservice.uk
What stood out about Damian’s fundraising was his commitment. Running is already a huge part of his life, but this challenge had a deeper purpose because he was using those miles to support people rebuilding their lives after abuse.
Damian has already said he would like to sign up again next year, which says everything about his commitment and the spirit behind this challenge.
Thank you, Damian, for every mile, every donation raised, and every bit of awareness created.
Gemma Serpillo – Case Di Lusso
Gemma Serpillo completing 26.2 miles in support of survivor recovery.
Gemma Serpillo raised an incredible £861, exceeding her £650 target and reaching 132% funded.
Gemma is Director and Co-Founder of Case Di Lusso, a design and build company focused on luxury renovations and construction projects. Her work brings together design, planning, project management and delivery, helping clients take projects from concept through to completion.
Website:https://casedilusso.co.uk
Gemma’s support helped raise both awareness
and funds so that more people can access support when they need it most.
Thank you, Gemma, for going above and beyond, both in your fundraising and in showing such visible support for survivors.
Paul Johnston – Arrival Lifts Ltd
Paul Johnston completing his first marathon for Survivors Of aBuse.
Paul Johnston took on his first ever marathon and raised £680, exceeding his £600 target and reaching 113% funded.
Paul is part of Arrival Lifts Ltd, an independent lift company providing lift services including emergency call-outs, installations, maintenance, repairs and modernisation.
Website: https://www.arrival-lifts.co.uk
Taking on a first marathon is a huge personal challenge. Choosing to do it in support of Survivors Of aBuse made it even more meaningful.
Thank you, Paul, for your determination, your fundraising and your support.
Every Step Counts
The TCS London Marathon MyWay gives people the opportunity to complete the marathon distance in their own way, whether running, walking or completing it in stages.
For Damian, Gemma and Paul, this became more than a physical challenge. It became a way to stand with survivors, raise awareness, and help fund support that helps people rebuild their lives.
To Damian, Gemma and Paul, thank you for your time, for your energy, for your fundraising using your businesses, networks and personal determination to help us keep doing this work.
You can still support their fundraising here:
Gemma:https://2026tcslondonmarathonmyway.enthuse.com/pf/gemma-serpillo
Paul:https://2026tcslondonmarathonmyway.enthuse.com/pf/paul-johnston
Damian:https://2026tcslondonmarathonmyway.enthuse.com/pf/damian-hadar
Want to Join Us Next Year?
The impact is already continuing.
Damian has already said he would like to sign up again next year, and Survivors Of aBuse will be applying for 10 TCS London Marathon MyWay spaces next year.
If you would like to run, walk or complete 26.2 miles your way in support of survivors, please get in touch to join our waiting list.
Every step helps us raise awareness, fund support, and continue showing survivors that they are not alone.
There is love, life and laughter after abuse.
To donate or find out more about Survivors Of aBuse, visit: https://www.survivorsofabuse.org.uk

