Running the 2027 London Marathon for Headway Essex – Alex’s Story
Hello everyone!
I have been given an opportunity of a lifetime to run the 2027 London Marathon, and I will be running to raise money for the wonderful charity, Headway Essex!
I first got to know Headway through “Yoga Dave”, as everyone calls him, from FlexFitYoga. Dave invited me to come up with him to Colchester to help out with his yoga session at Headway on a Tuesday.
Through seeing all the different clients and their personalities, I really enjoyed the sessions and kept turning up every week to help out and see everyone. Over time, I felt that I had grown a strong connection with all the clients, the staff and the charity itself.
Since working with Headway, I have wanted to keep helping out, turning up to events and supporting the charity wherever I can. A few months ago, I had the opportunity to help out when Headway got involved with the Colchester Castle Parkrun, which was another great way to show my support.
Over the summer, work commitments have prevented me from being able to go up to Headway as much as I would have liked, but I have always had them in my mind.
Then I saw their Facebook post saying they had a space available for the London Marathon to raise money for them. Within seconds of seeing the post, I sent an email explaining how much I would love the opportunity to raise money for such a remarkable charity.
And now, I have the chance to do just that!
MY FUNDRAISING TARGET: £2,000
Raising £2,000 is not an easy task by any means, but I am dedicated to doing everything in my power to reach that target. I honestly could not think of a better charity to raise money for.
WHY HEADWAY ESSEX?
Having spent time at Headway, I have seen how good the team is with all their clients and how they support everyone’s different needs. They have built such a great community, and with our help, they can continue to support even more people and their families.
For me, Headway is not just about providing support. It is also about giving people a safe space to go, helping them take part in activities they might never have tried before, building friendships and showing them that they are not alone in their struggles.

Being able to see this for myself is a big part of why I wanted to take on this challenge for Headway Essex. The charity and the people involved mean a lot to me, and I am really excited to be able to give something back.
26.2 MILES. ONE INCREDIBLE CHALLENGE. ONE VERY SPECIAL CHARITY.
The London Marathon will certainly be a challenge, both physically and mentally, but knowing that I am doing it for a charity I care about will make every mile worthwhile.
If you would like to sponsor me, I would be incredibly grateful, and so would the people and families supported by Headway Essex. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help me get closer to my £2,000 target and support the amazing work that Headway does.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can give. I am looking forward to the challenge and to representing Headway Essex at the 2027 London Marathon!
Alex
WHAT IT MEANS TO US
We’re incredibly grateful to have secured a place in the 2027 London Marathon and are absolutely delighted that Alex will be running in support of Headway Essex. Having already volunteered with us and built such a lovely connection with our clients and team, it means so much to have Alex choosing to support us in this way.
Alex came to our Centre in Colchester to share the exciting news with the group, and they were absolutely thrilled for him! There was lots of excitement in the room, with plenty of questions about the marathon, his training and what it will be like to take on such an incredible challenge. Everyone was fully behind him from the start!
Alex is very popular with the group, having spent time with them through his volunteering, and it was lovely to see just how much his news meant to everyone. Knowing that he is taking on the London Marathon to raise money for Headway Essex, and for people like them, made the occasion even more special.
A brain injury can turn someone’s life upside down in an instant, affecting not only the person themselves but also their family and friends. Having people like Alex alongside them, showing their support and helping raise awareness and vital funds, means so much.
The group is incredibly proud of Alex and excited to follow his journey as he prepares for the 2027 London Marathon. We’re sure they’ll be cheering him on every step of the way, and we can’t thank him enough for choosing to take on this amazing challenge for Headway Essex!
We’re absolutely delighted that Alex will be running the London Marathon for Headway Essex. Alex has built a lovely connection with our clients through volunteering, and it was wonderful to see everyone’s excitement when he came to share the news. The group is so proud of him and can’t wait to support him along the way.
You can support Alex by sponsoring him through his Just Givig page: Alex Winter is fundraising for Headway Essex