Kyle Landells runs the London Marathon for Villiers Park

We were thrilled to secure a place in the 2020 London Marathon - a first for Villiers Park - and even more delighted when a current student said that they would run it for us. Our Marathon fundraising campaign was just hitting its stride when - well, you know the rest.

Fast-forward to January this year and the announcement that 50,000 of the 2020 runners would get a place in the London race, rescheduled for 3 October 2021, with a further 50,000 running a virtual event in a location of their choice. We bit our nails to the quick: would Kyle get to represent Villiers Park on the official course? And then the email we'd been hoping for landed: he was in!

Goodbye Swindon, hello Swansea

A lot's changed for Kyle since we last met in February 2020, just before the world turned upside down. Back then, he was aiming to study Veterinary Medicine at the Royal Veterinary Collage in London. Then Covid happened and, for one reason and another, Kyle didn't get the grades he was hoping for. Resilient as ever (something he credits Villiers Park for), he decided to take his chances at Clearing and was offered at place at the University of Swansea to study Biology.

Nearing the end of his first year, he's more than happy with his decision. He's enjoying his course, made many friends, and has swapped his beloved ice hockey for a place on the University's rowing team - an easy choice when the nearest rink is 40 miles away in Cardiff! Most importantly, he's kept up with his running, and he's sent us something to share with you:

Hey guys! 

It’s been a while... You may remember that last year I was training to run the London Marathon for Villiers Park. Obviously with the pandemic and the crazy year we’ve all had, this didn’t end up going ahead, but I’m pleased to say that this is now back on! 

Firstly, I want to say a massive thank-you to everyone who has already donated and shared my journey! Despite everything that happened last year I received a lot of support and I appreciate it so much!

The race was postponed to 3 October 2021, which is now just under 16 weeks away! I’m really looking forward to this challenge, and if you want to join me in supporting an amazing charity then keep an eye on this space!

Have a look on my fundraising page to find out about Villiers and what they do; there’ll also be some exciting stuff to come as we get closer to the race.

Finally, I’ll be posting short training updates on my Strava.

I hope everyone is keeping safe, and as always, thank you for your support!

Kyle x

You heard the man! Keep your eyes on our website and socials for news of Kyle's progress. And most of all, please give generously to ensure we can go on helping young people like Kyle to be their best possible selves.

Sponsor Kyle now