I'm Hannah, a local runner from the Basingstoke area, and in April 2027 I'll be taking on the TCS London Marathon to raise money for Alopecia UK, a charity that is very close to my heart.
Living With Alopecia
I've lived with alopecia universalis since I was 21, when I was at university. Alopecia universalis causes the loss of all hair on the body, and since then, wearing a wig has become part of my everyday life. Living with hair loss can have a huge impact on your confidence, and it's something that not everyone fully understands unless they've experienced it themselves.
Over the years, Alopecia UK has helped me feel less alone. Being involved with the charity and attending its events, including a brilliant event at Alton Towers, has helped me connect with other people who understand what it's like to live with alopecia. It's made such a difference to my confidence, and I'd love to help other people access that same support.
The Marathon Challenge
Running has become a big part of my life, and after completing the Newport Marathon in April 2026, I decided to take on another challenge by applying for a place in the London Marathon. I was absolutely delighted to secure a charity place with Alopecia UK for 2027.
Training for a marathon around family life and a busy job is certainly a challenge, but having a cause that means so much to me makes every training run worthwhile. My aim is to raise £2,500 to support the charity's work, while also helping to raise awareness of alopecia in the local community.
For me, this challenge is about much more than running 26.2 miles. I want to help people understand the impact alopecia can have, raise money for a charity that has supported me, and hopefully help others who are struggling with hair loss to feel less alone.
How To Support
I'm hoping to get the local Basingstoke community involved, and I'd be incredibly grateful for any support from local residents and businesses, whether that's making a donation, sharing my fundraising page or helping to spread the word.
Hannah's fundraising page is open for donations.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can give. It really does mean a lot to me, and to the charity I'm running for.
