London Marathon: Walton-on-Thames resident to run for refugee charity

Paul Greaves will be running in aid of charity Breaking Barriers, which supports refugees into meaningful employment. He hopes to raise £2,000 for the cause.

Paul said: “Training for the London Marathon has become a big part of my life over the past few months.

“Early mornings, long runs, sore legs and trying to fit everything around work and life have all been part of the journey, but I know I’ll miss the training once it’s over.

“I signed up because I wanted to push myself to do something tough and worthwhile, and to use that challenge to support a cause that really means a great deal to me.”

Paul was inspired to support Breaking Barriers through the charity’s partnership with Wimbledon School of English, where he is Director of Young Learners.

He explained: “I’m raising money for Breaking Barriers because the work they do has a direct link to what we see at Wimbledon School of English.

“Breaking Barriers supports refugees in the UK by helping them learn, grow in confidence and move into meaningful employment.

“We know how powerful that support can be because we’ve worked with refugees at our school as they improve their English and prepare for new careers and opportunities.”

Refugees are around three times more likely to be unemployed than people born in the UK, due to the many barriers to employment they face, from a lack of UK experience to language differences and even discrimination.

Through one-to-one employment advice, education, and training and support from the business world, Breaking Barriers helps refugees overcome these challenges, enabling them to build a stronger future.

Paul continued: “By sponsoring me, you’re supporting a charity that gives people the chance to rebuild their lives and look forward with hope.

“Every donation, big or small, genuinely makes a difference – I have had some tough, wet, long, windy training runs and knowing that people are sponsoring me for such a great cause has really helped me dig deep and get through.

“This will be my third official marathon and even though I think I know what to expect, the London Marathon is notorious for having unseasonably warm weather that can impact every level of runner.

“I’m excited that friends and family will be cheering me on along the route and look forward to seeing the Breaking Barriers support team around the course too!

“I am so grateful to Breaking Barriers for giving me the opportunity to run for them, I know the money raised will really help people less fortunate than I am and I look forward to crossing the finish line on April 26!” 

The 2026 London Marathon will take place on Sunday, April 26. Well over 1,100,000 people entered the ballot for a spot on the race, and around 50,000 are expected to take part.

To donate to Paul’s London Marathon fundraiser, and help support refugees transform their lives through meaningful employment, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/paul-greaves-wse.