From Lockdown Runs to the London Marathon: My Fundraising Story
Gabs embarks on her exciting adventure that is the 2026 London Marathon and shares her story with our FZY members.
Hi, I’m Gabs - a committed FZYnick and currently studying Politics, Religion and Philosophy at the University of Birmingham. I first started FZY in 2022 as a tour chanichah, and since then, I have completed both Hadrachah Aleph and Bet, led summer camp and Hadsem, and hope to make my hat-trick at Veida next year! I am so excited to share that I will be running the 2026 London Marathon! When I tell people this, I am reminded just how vast this adventure is, but I know I am capable and am really excited to embark on it!
As somebody who feared the bleep test in school, you could say I’ve come a long way! I first started running during lockdown. I was reluctant at the beginning, but I gradually progressed from taking breaks on every other road to completing my first 5km run – I was so proud of myself. Through the years, I have continued my running journey – my favourite runs are during sunrise along the beach, especially in Israel and Spain. I would 100% recommend running socially, it is so motivating to have your friends with you, and time goes way faster when you chat.
Inspired by my mum, who ran the London Marathon in 2012, I knew it was a challenge I wanted to take on one day, and so here I am. When I think of the marathon, I think of the thousands of people who push themselves each year in order to raise money for causes that mean so much to them. I knew that I wanted my marathon to also be in the name of tzedakah. Therefore, I have chosen to fundraise for Jewish Care, a charity very close to my heart.
I am running in honour of my wonderful Grandma Norma, who was cared for so compassionately for five years at Anita Dorfman House, a Jewish Care home. My Grandma and I spent a lot of time together; we would do puzzles, and she would make the best traditional Jewish foods for us. She taught me all the Yiddish I know today. After Tour, I remember showing her all the pictures, and like any Jewish grandmother, she was concerned when I said that we had slept outside under the stars in the desert. I quickly reassured her that it was all part of the experience and was great fun!
Jewish Care touches the lives of many – whether providing care, friendship, or support for those living with dementia, they are a vital lifeline in the Jewish community. To ensure the continuation of Jewish Care’s tremendous commitment, they must raise £20 million every year.
It is a privilege to combine my passion for running with raising money for such an incredible cause. Tzedakah is so central to both the Marathon and to FZY; therefore, any donation, big or small, will be greatly appreciated by me, Jewish Care, and the 12,000 lives they support each week.
My Grandma had so much love to give, I will take her quick wit and humour with me to the finish line. I am so eager to get the ball rolling and begin this endeavour!
Thank you so much, Gabs x
You can donate to Gabs’s fundraising page or read more about her story by clicking the link below, which will take you to an external page:
