the story
Seven years ago, when I first moved to London, I never imagined that one day the thing I would be most grateful for would be the proximity to the incredible children’s hospitals. That all changed in July 2024, when our 18-month-old son suddenly became seriously ill.
By November, he was diagnosed with Glycogen Storage Disease — a rare genetic condition that affects the liver’s ability to regulate blood sugar. It means constant monitoring, careful management, and living with the ever-present risk of dangerous complications.
Over the past year, the time we’ve spent in children’s wards has completely reshaped how I see the world. I've become so aware of the challenges many children and their families face every single day — and just as aware of the compassion, resilience, and determination of those who care for them. Since our first hospital stay, I’ve been looking for a way to give back.
Over Christmas, while out running in Crystal Palace, I looked across the city and spotted Alexandra Palace in the distance. I wondered how far it was. Turns out, it’s almost 13 miles on the dot. With that, The Pally Pally was born — a race from Crystal Palace to Ally Pally.
Initially I wanted the race to be from one side of the city to the other. 85 people signed up which I was blown away by. However, even more people reached out to say they wanted to take part and raise money but couldn’t make it to London, couldn't manage the distance, or were worried they wouldn’t be fast enough to join in a real "race". That’s when I realised it didn’t have to be a one-day, one-place event...It could be something bigger.
So now The Pally Pally is open to everyone — no matter where you live, your age, or ability. You can take on the 13.1-mile challenge in your own way, at your own pace, from anywhere in the world and our goal is to raise £10,000 for Evelina Hospital and Great Ormond Street.
how it works
- Sign up
- Choose Team South or Team North
- Run at least 13.1 miles between October 01-31 2025
- Raise a minimum of £40
- Submit your distance (Opens 1st October)
- Winning team announced November 5th
- UK based participants will receive an eco friendly wooden medal
the charities
Whether you use the event to run your first half marathon — or just move a little more — every step will go to help children across London, the UK and beyond. Whichever side wins the overall competition — North or South — all money raised by The Pally Pally will be donated to two outstanding causes: the Evelina London Children’s Charity and Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.
Our fundraising goal for 2025 is to raise £10,000 in our very first year. It’s an ambitious target, but one we believe is possible with the support of this incredible community. The Pally Pally isn’t just a competition between North and South London — it’s a movement to raise funds for all children, regardless of their condition, background, or circumstance.
To reflect that mission, all funds raised will be split equally between both charities. Every pound will help — whether it’s going toward the purchase of medical equipment, funding research, or improving hospital environments so families can feel more comfortable and supported during the most difficult times in their lives.
Whether you're running, walking, or donating, you're helping to make a difference in the lives of real children and families who need it most.
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