A Reading man who is preparing to take on the Reading Half for the fourth time is encouraging others to sign up and run in support of Sue Ryder.

Richard Walton, 47, first entered the Reading Half after taking up running during Covid. However, it was only last year - following the death of his mum - that he decided to raise money for the palliative and bereavement support charity, Sue Ryder, in her honour and as a way of thanking the charity for the support his family received.

Richard shares: “Mum had support from the Sue Ryder Nurses over the last month of her life. It was amazing all the equipment that was provided, including a hospital bed that we could move up and down, so she was able to live downstairs for the last week.”

“She could sit and see the bird feeders in the garden,” he continues. I used to go and work from my parents’ house two or three days a week and spend the time with her. She had family and friends coming in, and they weren’t restricted by visiting hours, and that made a big difference.”

As a regular runner of the Reading Half, Richard decided to turn his passion into raising vital funds so that other families could receive support from the expert and compassionate team at Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire.

Richard shares how Sue Ryder supported his fundraising journey too: “Being part of the Strava group really helped,” he explained. “If you saw someone else heading out for a run, it gave you that push to go as well. And when you’re running for a cause, there’s no backing out.”

Richard chose the Reading Half Marathon for its atmosphere and community support. “The support is incredible,” he said. “It feels like almost the whole 13.1 miles are lined with people cheering you on. Running past the hospice on race day was especially powerful – it really spurred me on.”

Richard raised around £3,500 through his fundraising for Sue Ryder. “Raising this money has made me really proud. If it helps even one family get the same support we did, then it’s all worth it.”

As a head teacher of a small Primary school in Reading with a high number of SEN children, we have felt so grateful for the opportunity to take our nurture class to Camp Mohawk. The children love the activities and facilities and their joyful faces and demeanours tell us just how much they are enjoying themselves.

We know Camp Mohawk work so hard to provide support for special needs children both through their work with schools, but also through family support, offering a fantastic environment for families with Sen children to visit. The least I could do was run a few miles ( it’s way more than that of course 😆😆) to raise some funds for this precious resource!

Thanks again Camp Mohawk!

Suzanne’s Story: Running for Inclusion

Suzanne Goodman was honoured to volunteer at Reading Pride in 2025, where she experienced firsthand the powerful sense of community and inclusivity the event creates. With close friends and family in the LGBTQ+ community, supporting Pride is deeply personal.

Now, Suzanne is stepping up again — this time by taking on the Reading Half Marathon — to help ensure others can experience the same joyful, welcoming celebration of diversity. Through her run, she hopes to raise vital funds and champion a community built on love, visibility and belonging.

One of Team BIBS inspiring Mini Marathon runners and a proud Buscot graduate 💜

Mila is taking on the Mini Marathon to raise funds for Babies in Buscot Support (BIBS), the charity that supported her and her family when she was born prematurely and critically unwell.

In 2016, Mila’s mum Bethany was rushed into the hospital at 34 weeks pregnant after suddenly developing severe abdominal pain, following what had been a low-risk pregnancy. After 36 hours, Bethany was diagnosed with appendicitis and doctors made the decision to deliver Mila by emergency caesarean section. Mila was born weighing 5lb 10oz, but she was extremely poorly. Doctors were able to resuscitate her before she was transferred to Buscot for urgent neonatal care.

Mila spent nine days on Buscot, where she was intubated and treated for sepsis and immature lungs. Her first night was especially frightening as she became critically unwell, but the care she received helped her recover.

Bethany says: “My memories of Buscot are of being in awe of the intensity and complexity of the treatment, and the incredible skill of the doctors. Above all, though, I remember the kindness and compassion of both the nurses and medical staff.”

Once Mila was well enough, Bethany and Mila stayed together in the BIBS-funded flats, allowing Bethany to learn the everyday realities of caring for a premature baby, while still within earshot of medical staff, which she says was a truly brilliant and reassuring idea. After two nights there, they were finally able to go home together 🥰

Now nearly ten years old, Mila is thriving. She is a competitive swimmer, training six days a week and representing Reading Swimming Club. She’s also a loving big sister to her younger brother, Rafi 💜

This will be Mila’s first race, although she has done several parkruns and school cross country. Taking on the Mini Marathon is her way of giving back to the charity that helped give her the strongest possible start in life.

💜 From Buscot incubator to Mini Marathon start line, Mila represents the strength and resilience of Buscot graduates everywhere 💜

Meet one of Team BIBS incredible Reading Half Marathon runners, Luke 💜

Luke is taking on the Green Park Reading Half to raise funds for BIBS (Babies in Buscot Support), a charity that became incredibly important to his family after the arrival of his daughter, Nora.

Nora was born two weeks overdue following a straightforward labour. A water birth wasn’t planned, but things progressed quickly and Nora was born into the water in the early hours of 28th September 2024, weighing 3.92kg.

It was only during final checks before discharge that concerns were raised about Nora’s oxygen levels, and she was taken to Buscot for urgent neonatal care.

“That was the first time I had even heard of the Buscot ward & BIBS. The unit itself was impressive, and the staff were nothing short of amazing. Within minutes of arriving Nora was given tubes to help her get the oxygen she needed, and they even helped me get her changed and feed her.”

Nora spent several days on Buscot, where she continued to improve each day. Luke says they were incredibly grateful for the support they received from BIBS and the Buscot team during this time.

It was this experience that inspired Luke to take on this challenge. He began running in early 2025 and, after progressing from a 10k to the half marathon distance, he is now ready to tackle Reading’s hills for a cause close to his heart.

Now 16 months old, Nora is funny, kind, and just starting to talk - perfect timing to cheer on her daddy on race day!💜 Fancy joining Luke on Team BIBS – get in touch info@bibs.org.uk to find out how 💜

At Camp Mohawk, our community of supporters means everything to us, and few embody that spirit quite like this incredible family.

Last year, Dad took on the challenge of the Reading Half Marathon in support of Camp Mohawk—and didn’t just run it, but became the highest fundraiser for Camp Mohawk. His commitment, energy and enthusiasm made a huge difference to the children and families we support.

This year, the fundraising baton has been proudly passed on. His daughters are taking part in the Mini Marathon, running with determination, excitement, and the reassurance of Dad right by their side every step of the way. It’s a wonderful example of how supporting Camp Mohawk has become a true family effort—one that brings everyone together through shared purpose and pride.

Their connection to Camp Mohawk runs deeper than fundraising alone. Sophie, sibling to Emily, beautifully captures what Camp Mohawk means to her and to families like theirs:“I love Camp Mohawk because, even though it’s for people with special needs, it’s also for me as a sister too. I have loads of fun there and really love playing and doing crafts with the people that work there because they’re really friendly.”

Sophie’s words remind us that Camp Mohawk is not just a place for children with special needs, it’s a space where siblings feel included, valued, and able to create joyful memories of their own.

We are incredibly grateful to this family for their ongoing support, their enthusiasm, and their belief in what Camp Mohawk stands for. Their story shows how fundraising can become something truly special: a shared journey, a family tradition, and a powerful way to make a difference together.

The photo shows Ashley with his daughter, capturing the reason behind his commitment to Camp Mohawk. As a new member of the Camp Mohawk community, Ashley is passionate about supporting the charity because he understands how vital accessible play equipment is. For many children, simple joys like playing on a swing aren’t possible in mainstream settings, and Camp Mohawk ensures that all children can feel included, confident, and free to play.

We are incredibly proud of Ashley, who has already raised over £700 ahead of taking on the Green Park Reading Half Marathon in March. New to running, Ashley has shown remarkable dedication and determination, putting in countless hours of training to support a cause that means so much to his family. His efforts highlight the power of community, inclusion, and going the extra mile, both on the road and for Camp Mohawk.

On 22 March 2026, Russ is running the Green Park Reading Half Marathon in support of Camp Mohawk, a multi-functional day centre for children with special needs and their families. Set within five acres of beautiful countryside just outside Wargrave, Berkshire, Camp Mohawk provides a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive and families can spend meaningful time together.

The motivation behind this challenge is deeply personal. Russ’ six-year-old granddaughter, Grace, is autistic. She is a joyful, loving child who experiences the world without fear, where open windows invite adventure, roads are there to be explored, and water is simply waiting to be jumped into. Grace needs constant supervision, not because she lacks curiosity, but because she approaches life with complete trust and boundless energy. Affectionately described as a “little goat,” she is a natural climber and an expert escape artist.

Camp Mohawk plays a vital role in supporting children like Grace and the families who care for them. With highly trained staff who truly understand the needs of children with additional challenges, the centre offers families peace of mind, support, and the rare chance to relax together in a safe and welcoming space.

This challenge is very much a family effort. On race day, Russ will be joined by their sons-in-law, Iain Johnson and Neil Campbell, and their niece, Charlotte Morris, who will all be running together and doing their best to keep up!

We’re incredibly proud to host runners who turn their determination into positive change. Stories like this remind us why events like the Green Park Reading Half Marathon matter, not just for the finish times, but for the lives they help support along the way.

22 years old from Oxford

I downloaded Couch to 5K 12 months ago as I wanted to start running to help my mental health. My best friend loves to run, and I thought it would be great if I could one day be able to say I could do a run with her! I loved this process of starting to run, learning it was never about "being good at it" but about doing something for myself, for my brain, my mindset and my body. 

I wanted a new challenge to prove to myself, but also others, that we can all do hard things! I have proven to myself I can do far more than I have ever expected of myself, and I can't wait to do this again. Excitingly, I am running the Green Park Reading Half Marathon with my big brother for a charity we are both extremely passionate about - Homeless Oxfordshire. Our mum ran this half marathon around 10 years ago, so it is extra special that we are now running it!

My name is Ian Curtis-Nye and I am the chair of trustees at Citizens Advice Reading.

Before 2025, I had never ran anywhere in my life. I had never been interested in running, not even contemplated I would be.

In the spring of 2025 I was asked whether I would like to take part in the Reading Half Marathon to raise funds for CAR. My initial response was, are you having a laugh, I don’t run.

However, as the weeks went on I started to get into idea that I might give it a go. I started the Couch to 5k programme in June 2025 and fast forward 6 months I’m running regularly as part of my training for the Reading Half Marathon. This event will be my first Half Marathon.

I’m looking forward to running as part of a great team for CAR, amongst friends and having the opportunity to raise much needed funds for an important local charity.

I am running the Green Park Reading Half Marathon as part of my health and fitness journey that I have been on since early 2025.  As a former employee of Purley Park Trust I have witnessed first-hand all of the great work they do, so they are close to my heart and no better place to run and raise money for.

For Alan and his team—family and friends bonded for over a decade—the Reading Half Marathon is more than just a race. It’s a chance to give back to Royal Berkshire Hospital, a place that has played a huge role in their lives. With many of their parents having worked there, including Alan’s mum, a theatre nurse since 2006, and his dad still on staff today, supporting the hospital is deeply personal.

None of them are natural runners, but when one signed up, the challenge quickly became a team effort! Now, they’re lacing up, training hard, and pushing themselves to raise £2,200 for vital hospital services.

We are incredibly proud of their achievement and dedication to raising funds for such a worthy cause. Their determination and commitment deserve every bit of recognition—well done!

Berkshire mum Laura Turner was putting her two-month-old son, Charlie, into his car seat ready to leave the house for a baby music class when suddenly she was transported from an everyday situation into every parent’s worst nightmare.

Charlie’s normal newborn cry suddenly changed to a more strained sound that Laura hadn’t heard him make before. She realised with a jolt that he had stopped breathing. Quickly taking him out of his seat, Laura felt her baby was floppy and had gone a grey colour. Remembering seeing that there was blood coming out of Charlie’s nose, Laura recalls: “I thought that was it. I thought he was gone.”

At home alone, she had a moment of panic before her instincts kicked in. Laura says, “something just took over. I knew what I had to do.”

Laura had done a first aid course while pregnant with Charlie, so she knew how to give him rescue breaths. She called 999 and a few minutes later, Charlie started breathing slowly. Holding her son in the baby recovery position, Laura began the agonising wait for the emergency services to arrive. “It was only six minutes until the ambulance service and Thames Valley Air Ambulance crew got to us. But those were the longest six minutes of my life. It felt like forever.”

Once help was on hand, the rest is a blur. The Thames Valley Air Ambulance paramedics and doctors, who had arrived by helicopter, worked with South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) to get Charlie stable and he was taken to the Royal Berkshire hospital.

Laura went with Charlie in the ambulance and remembers that Charlie’s dad met them at the hospital. “It was then that I broke down”, she says, “until that point, I had no choice but to be strong for Charlie. The reality of what we had been through just suddenly dawned on me.”

Thankfully, Charlie is now a healthy, happy three-year-old. A chatty boy who loves to learn, he is thriving at pre-school.

Laura is saying thank you in a very real way this April when she runs the Unleashed Performance Reading Half Marathon. As well as finding the training positive for her physical and mental health, Laura says “I wanted to be able to give something back. I didn’t even realise Thames Valley Air Ambulance was a charity before they helped Charlie and now I want to do anything I can to help.”

Charlie has been told about what happened to him when he was a baby and is currently taking on the SCAS ‘outrun the ambulance’ challenge on his bike, accompanying Laura on her training runs.

Who is betting against Charlie being the loudest cheerer of all, in the stadium on April 3rd?