In April 2025, alumni and University staff members will take on the 2025 London Marathon to support the University’s Healthy Minds Programme.
The Healthy Minds Programme empowers students to take positive steps towards enhancing their mental and physical wellbeing through a diverse, socially engaging range of physical activities. So far, it has helped over 600 students improve their overall wellbeing.
Each runner has set a goal of raising at least £2,000 to support Healthy Minds, and you can show your support through their JustGiving pages, linked below.
Meet this year’s runners…
Sophie Spencer (BVSc 2020), alumni
It has always been my biggest dream to run the London Marathon, but being able to run and fundraise for the University that gave me so much—and to help future students gain as much as I did—is truly an honour.
Click here to view my JustGiving page and donate.
Stephanie Parkman (LLB 1995), alumni
I graduated from the University of Bristol at a time when we mostly wrote our essays by hand, a pint of cider from the Coronation Tap was £1.60 and mental health wasn’t as widely talked about as it is today.
It’s hard to imagine such a time, which is why I am thrilled to be able to raise awareness and support for the University’s life-changing Healthy Minds programme. If that means that I get to run the London Marathon in the process, then this really is the stuff of dreams!
Healthy Minds has changed the lives of over 500 students in the last five years, helping to set them on the road to both mental and physical wellness. Think about how many more students could benefit in the future with our support!
Thank you in advance to everyone who will support me in my training and fundraising, which includes my two teenage sons who were last heard muttering ‘Why does Mum always do these extreme things?!’
Click here to view my JustGiving page and donate.
Jack Edwards (MEng 2012), alumni
I started running whilst studying at Bristol when a friend encouraged me to join him as he trained for a marathon. Since then, I’ve never really stopped! I’m incredibly excited to run in my home marathon, in the city where I was born, work, and am now raising my own family. The cause of Healthy Minds is close to my heart because exercise has always been a valuable tool for managing my mental health—most problems feel smaller on the other side of a run. I also remember the anxiety I felt when I first came to Bristol, and the support I received from the friends I made and my family. Many people helped me through the trickier parts of university life. Anything that helps others feel settled and provides support when needed is truly worthwhile.
Click here to view my JustGiving page and donate.
Keely Hohmann, staff
I’m honoured to raise money for Healthy Minds and represent the University of Bristol at the London Marathon.
I started running as a teenager with my dad, mostly to spend time outdoors and enjoy some quality moments with him. I didn’t pick it up again until lockdown, when I ran every day to make the most of the limited time we were allowed outside. Running during that time had a huge positive impact on my mental health, and the way it made me feel was all the motivation I needed.
These days, although I enjoy running, I sometimes struggle with motivation and consistency. When I do get the chance, I love running in my local parks for fun, soaking in the nature around me and marvelling at the birds in Nightingale and St Anne’s valleys. I’m not a dedicated runner, and I’ve never completed any races, but I know I have the determination to run the marathon.
I signed up because I believe in the power of movement to support mental health. Raising money for students and their well-being will keep me motivated, even through the darker winter days.
Click here to view my JustGiving page and donate.
Jane Blazeby, staff
Jane is a University of Bristol colleague who has chosen to fundraise for Healthy Minds using her own ballot marathon place.
For years I worked as a surgeon helping people with physical illnesses. Over the past decade I have come to realise the equal importance of mental health. This is why I hope to run the London Marathon – to raise awareness and support for mental health.
Click here to view my JustGiving page and donate.
Elliot Reed (BA 1994), alumni
Running a marathon may sound like madness to many, but training for—and staggering over the finish line of—the three I’ve completed has significantly boosted my mental health. I wholeheartedly support the mantra that physical activity is a vital tool for well-being. That’s why I am elated to have the opportunity to raise money and awareness for the Healthy Minds program and support students facing mental health challenges.
My son started his university journey this year, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for him. It reminds me of my first few weeks at Bristol in the ’90s—moving out of London, fending for myself, meeting new friends, and figuring out who I was.
If I had only discovered running back then, instead of in my 40s, I would have had an even happier and healthier four years! At least we had Massive Attack, Portishead, Tricky, and house music to dance to.
Running the London Marathon in 2025 is a dream come true, and my goal is to raise as much money as possible.
And finish, of course!
Click here to view my JustGiving page and donate.
Tony Riley (BSc 1989), alumni
I had a wonderful time at Bristol, and I’m truly glad to be running in support of Healthy Minds. I’ve lived in San Francisco for 25 years, but I return to the UK annually. On my last visit, I revisited my old campus haunts, which brought back so many great memories. Bristol is such a beautiful and vibrant city.
Running has become a big part of my life over the past decade. I’ve since completed the New York, Chicago, Berlin, and Boston marathons, and have found that running makes me a calmer and happier person. My San Francisco Road Runners Club is as much a social community as it is a running one, and I’ve made many friends through it.
I’m excited to connect with Bristol alumni in London. Often, we appreciate university life even more after we’ve left it. Bristol gave me a great start, and I’m honoured to give back, both by attending events and supporting the Healthy Minds programme.