Cape Town runner to raise funds for neurodiverse and neuro-disabled adults

Cape Town runner Luke Barnwell is set to participate in the 2027 London Marathon, with the aim of raising funds for the British Home charity. British Home provides specialist nursing care, rehabilitation and personalized support to neurodiverse and neuro-disabled adults. Barnwell has been granted a charity place in the marathon and aims to raise £2,000 (approximately R45,000) through a BackaBuddy campaign.

All funds raised will go directly to supporting British Home's work and will not be used for his travel expenses. The campaign has already garnered support, with R3,020 raised from three donors within its first two hours. Neuro-disabilities can result from various conditions such as brain injuries, strokes and other neurological illnesses, which can impair a person's movement, communication, independence and ability to manage daily tasks.

The British Home charity focuses on assisting adults who face these challenges, offering tailored care to help residents maintain their independence and quality of life. For Barnwell, the primary motivation for taking on the marathon is to raise the £2,000 needed for British Home and to raise awareness about the realities faced by individuals with neurodisabilities and the support required by their families and carers.

The 2027 London Marathon is scheduled for April 24-25, 2027, with participants assigned to one of the two days. Barnwell is committed to sharing his progress throughout the campaign, documenting his training, races, setbacks and final preparations for the race day.