Putney Dad Takes on Marathon for Spinal Injury Charity
Raising funds for Back Up which supported his cousin after car accident
Sam (centre standing) with Ella (centre seated)
April 16, 2024
A 34-year-old man from Putney who has recently become a father will be taking on the 2024 TCS London Marathon to support national disability charity Back Up and their life-changing services.
The day of the race, Sunday 21 April, will also be Sam White’s 35th birthday but rather than spend it eating cake and opening presents, he will be aiming to raise funds for the Wandsworth based organisation which supported his cousin Ella after she sustained a devastating spinal cord injury. He will be joining nine other runners in a team raising sponsorship to support Back Up.
Sam said, “I was seven when my 10-year-old cousin Ella was in a car accident. Within minutes of us being home after a family holiday, the phone rang. It was my uncle. I just remember it being really bad news. Thankfully Ella and her mum were alive but Ella had sustained a high-level spinal cord injury. She wouldn’t be able to walk again.
“But Ella was and is amazing. Nothing's ever prevented her from doing what she wants to do, despite the all the challenges she faces every day. We still went on family holidays together, she’s been sky diving, she’s even got a job at Back Up! Ella’s an incredible role model.
“That’s why I’m running the London Marathon for Back Up. I have been inspired by Ella's determination, resilience and bravery to not let this devastating injury prevent her from thriving and succeeding in life, both personally and professionally. There’s so much you can do in your life with a spinal cord injury - and Back Up can help you do it.
“The focus is always on what you can't do as a wheelchair user. It should be the other way around. I have seen first-hand how life-changing a spinal cord injury can be and how valuable the services Back Up provide are. They visited Ella in hospital; meeting a team member with a spinal cord injury was incredibly empowering.
“When Ella was injured, there were very few services available for children. I am committed to raising funds and awareness for Back Up so that other young people with spinal cord injuries may also benefit from greater independence and continue to inspire those around them.”
Every four hours, less than the average time it takes to complete the London Marathon, someone will sustain a life-changing spinal cord injury. Back Up is the only charity in the UK that has dedicated services for children and young people with a spinal cord injury including activity courses to build confidence and independence, education inclusion toolkits for schools and family mentoring and support. Thanks to the money raised by Sam and Back Up’s team of nine participants, the charity can help more people with spinal cord injury to realise their full potential.
Sam and Ella as children before her accident
Sam continued, “The London Marathon has always been on my bucket list. I’ve entered the ballot so many times and never got a place, so I am very, very excited to run it this year - it is going to be such an amazing day from start to finish and I just want to enjoy every moment!
“Running your home city is really special. For my final long run, I ran from my home in Putney, along the river to Blackfriars Bridge. As I ran along Embankment, I realised that the next time I’d be doing this route would be on marathon day. London will be my fifth marathon but I think it might be my last - it hurts a lot!
“The crowds are unbelievable; they are what makes London stand apart. I've supported friends and family over the last six or seven years – a group of us go in fancy dress and have a great time! We’ve dressed as Mexican wrestlers, Musketeers, a brass band, and even Mr Motivator. I can’t wait to finally run it myself and see what my friends are dressing up as!
“The entire course, running past the incredible landmarks and seeing my baby daughter cheering me on will be very special. She'll be 12 weeks old on race day. It's not just been juggling marathon training but also having our first baby – I'm exhausted! I can’t wait to see her on the route along with my friends and family. And of course, Ella.
“I can think of no better way to celebrate than raising vital funds and awareness for a charity that is of particular importance to me and my family. I am so proud to be part of #TeamBackUp.”
To support Sam and donate to #TeamBackUp, visit this link.
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