Cornwall Man’s Marathon Mission: But Did He Forget Something Important?

Published On: 6 February 2025Last Updated: 6 February 2025By CornishStuff

A Cornwall man who took up running to improve his fitness is set to tackle the London Marathon this April – on the same day as his first wedding anniversary.

Running for a Cause

Sam Zilkha, a Service Manager at Hft’s Chy Keres respite service in Tregadillett, Cornwall, will join around 50,000 other runners on 27th April to complete the world-famous 26.2-mile course.

All funds raised by Sam will go to Hft, a charity that supports learning disabled adults across England and Wales. Having worked at the charity for 18 months, he sees first-hand the impact its services have on individuals and their families.

“I see every day the difference Hft makes in peoples’ lives,” said Sam. “Together, in partnership with each individual, we set goals and work with them to enable them to achieve them.”

A Journey to Fitness

Sam’s running journey began two years ago when he returned to playing football and quickly realised he was out of breath throughout the game. Determined to improve his fitness, he took up running, completing his first 5k and 10k early last year. When he saw that Hft had places available for the London Marathon, he signed up immediately.

However, in his enthusiasm, he overlooked one important detail – the marathon falls on the same day as his wedding anniversary.

“I should have checked really before I signed up as the marathon is the same day as my first wedding anniversary,” he admitted. “But my wife is coming with me to support me on the day and I’ve promised her we’ll do something nice in the evening to celebrate – if I can still walk!”

Training Challenges

Sam has been training every other day, but the recent storms have disrupted his schedule.

“The weather and all the bad storms we’ve had has impeded my training schedule a little bit,” he said. “So, I may have to go back to using a treadmill to keep up my training for a while until the weather improves.”

In addition to running, Sam has been focusing on his overall fitness, attending a men-only yoga session to improve his breathing and making healthier food choices to stay in peak condition.

Supporting Hft’s Work

Hft has a number of services across Cornwall, including in Wadebridge, St Teath, St Austell, and Tregadillett. Chy Keres, where Sam works, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this summer. The respite service offers six bedrooms, shared living spaces, and a sensory room, providing essential support to learning disabled adults and respite for their families.

Sam is motivated by the people he supports and the dedication of his colleagues.

“It’s not only the people we support who get so much out of the service, but their families too who enjoy time to rest,” he said. “That, and my incredible colleagues working for Hft to make it all happen, will be my motivation to get around the route.”

So far, Sam has raised over £200 towards his £1,650 target.