Cape Town, South Africa — Cape Town runner Luke Barnwell is preparing to take on the 2027 London Marathon while raising funds for British Home, a UK charity that provides specialist nursing care, rehabilitation and support to adults living with neuro-disabilities.
Barnwell has secured a charity place for the April 2027 race and has set a fundraising target of £2,000, approximately R45,000, with all funds going towards British Home’s work.
A BackaBuddy campaign launched in support of the run has already raised R3,020 from three donors within its first two hours.
Barnwell is clear that the fundraiser is not intended to cover his flights, accommodation or personal travel costs. The full campaign is dedicated to supporting British Home.
From Cape Town to London
For Barnwell, the London Marathon will be one of the biggest physical challenges he has taken on.
The 42.2km race will require months of training in Cape Town, with Barnwell planning to share the journey as he builds towards race day.
That will include early mornings, training runs, races, setbacks and the progression that comes with preparing for a marathon.
But the run itself is only part of the goal.
“My biggest goal is to raise £2,000 for British Home and help support the people in their care,” Barnwell says.
British Home supports adults whose lives have been affected by brain injuries, strokes and other neurological conditions. Its work includes personalised nursing care, rehabilitation and support aimed at helping people live as independently as possible.
For Barnwell, that work is what gives the marathon a wider purpose.
Running for More Than a Finish Line
A serious neurological injury or illness can affect far more than physical health. It can also change a person’s independence, relationships and ability to manage everyday life.
British Home works with adults living through those changes, providing care and rehabilitation tailored to individual needs.
Barnwell says he is proud to use the London Marathon as a way to support that work while also raising awareness around the realities faced by people living with neuro-disabilities.
“This challenge is about more than crossing a finish line,” he says.
The campaign has already received its first donations, including contributions of R3,000 in total within hours of going live.
With several months of training still ahead, Barnwell hopes the fundraiser will grow alongside his preparation for London.
Every Kilometre Counts
The London Marathon takes place in April 2027, giving Barnwell time to build towards the physical challenge while also working towards his fundraising target.
He is encouraging supporters to contribute whatever they can, whether that is R50, R100 or more.
For those unable to donate, sharing the campaign is another way to help the fundraiser reach more people.
For Barnwell, the months ahead will be measured in kilometres, training sessions and progress towards his goal.
The bigger aim, however, is simple: to make each kilometre count towards supporting the people in British Home’s care.
To support Luke Barnwell’s London Marathon fundraiser for British Home, visit the BackaBuddy campaign.
