WHY I’M RUNNING MARATHON FOR POLIO CHARITY
By Byambaa Leszczynki
Running has been part of my life for many years. I’ve taken part in numerous races, from shorter distances to endurance events, each one teaching me something new about discipline, resilience, and perseverance.
But the London Marathon feels different.
This time, it’s not just about the challenge — it’s about running for a cause that truly matters.
I heard about the British Polio Fellowship from my friend a neighbour, John Hamblin, who has been a lifelong sufferer of Polio and who is now experiencing Post-Polio Syndrome.
This year, I will be running the London Marathon to raise funds for the British Polio Fellowship, with a particular focus on supporting people living with Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS).
PPS can be unpredictable and isolating. People who may have rebuilt their lives after polio can find themselves facing fresh physical challenges later in life, often with limited public awareness or understanding of the condition.
The British Polio Fellowship plays a vital role in ensuring these individuals are not forgotten — providing expert information, advocacy, peer support, and practical help to improve quality of life.
By running the London Marathon, I want to help shine a light on Post-Polio Syndrome and raise funds to support the Fellowship’s essential work.
Every mile I run is in recognition of the resilience of polio survivors and a reminder that, even when a disease fades from headlines, its impact on real people can last a lifetime.
Your support will help ensure that those living with polio’s legacy continue to receive the understanding, care, and community they deserve.
By Teddington resident and supporter of Teddington Cricket Club, John Hamblin
Dear friends & family
As you may know, I contracted polio as a child and as a result I have been paralysed in my right arm for as long as I can remember and also have had limited use of my left arm and hand.
I’m pleased to say that I recovered enough to live an active life and indeed was playing badminton until I was nearly 50 years old. Just over 25 years ago I experienced what I then believed were age related issues such as fatigue, weakness, pain and respiratory issues.
However, these symptoms were in fact what I now know as Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS). This is a condition that effects Polio victims who may or may not have suffered paralysis and until relatively recently was unfamiliar to much of the medical profession.
The British Polio Fellowship (BPF) has for many years supported those who experience PPS and recently succeeded in launching an Optimal Clinical Pathway within the NHS to help people obtain a diagnosis which is critical to be able to claim support, both financial and medical.
The BPF supports sufferers by helping them obtain the advice and medical help they need as well as guiding them to support services for financial support. They also make limited to grants to those they can.
There are in excess of 50,000 people who are known to be suffering with PPS but there are many more who don’t realise what they are experiencing.
While Polio has been largely eliminated around the world there are still sporadic outbreaks, one last year in London, and not helped by a reduction in those coming forward for immunisation.
I have been a supporter of the BPF for many years, and I am pleased to say that my friend Byambaa Leszcznski has agreed to run in the London Marathon in April to raise funds for the Fellowship.
I shall therefore be very grateful if you will consider support her by contributing through her Just Giving account which is: Byambaa Leszczynski is fundraising for British Polio Fellowship
Thank you for your support