Colne, Lancashire – Micky Marsden, co-founder of JaroHR, is entering the final training stage of her monumental journey to the 2026 London Marathon. Running on behalf of local charity Positive Action in the Community (PAC), Micky has already raised an astounding £4,500, including Gift Aid, to support victims of youth homelessness, domestic abuse, and mental health challenges across East Lancashire.
Micky’s journey to the starting line is a profound story of resilience. Confined to a wheelchair for five years following a hospitalisation for sepsis in 2014, Micky began working on her physical health in late 2018 just to be able to stand again. After a remarkable 5.5 stone weight loss in 2024, she laced up her running shoes for the first time in February 2025 using the Couch to 5k app, admitting she could not even reach the end of her street.
Micky has run 300 Kilometres in the last four months
Her progress quickly accelerated, and she completed the Blackpool Music 10k in July 2025 and the Manchester Half Marathon that October. Since entering her official London Marathon training block in December 2025, she has run 300 kilometres over the last four months, with her longest single run reaching 30 kilometres. Now safely in her taper period, she is fully prepared for the big day.
While her physical transformation is extraordinary, her true driving force is deeply personal. Micky is a survivor of domestic abuse from her youth. Looking back, she wishes she had access to a charity like PAC whilst growing up. Learning about the vital work PAC does in the community became the catalyst for each stride she took towards being marathon-ready and improving her own health. She has been very clear that she is running not just for her own wellbeing, but to ensure that anyone experiencing domestic abuse today gets the crucial help and visibility that she lacked.
No one should feel invisible
“I am running the London Marathon to raise the profile of this issue and this charity and crucially raise financial help for PAC; they provide the kind of support I wish I had when I was younger,” she explained. “I want to help PAC be there across East Lancashire for anyone that needs their support. No one should feel invisible.”
The local community has rallied behind her incredible effort. Micky has received significant backing from local businesses and individuals who have sponsored each of the 26 miles of her marathon, having their names proudly displayed on her race day jersey. Workwear Warehouse, a local company in Burnley, has generously donated the printing of this unique jersey, alongside a celebratory PAC flag that will be waiting for Micky at the finish line in London.
Leroy Philbrook, Community Engagement Manager at PAC, who initially inspired Micky’s marathon dream, noted: “Micky’s journey from sepsis and being wheelchair-bound for 5 years to the most famous marathon in the world is nothing short of astounding, but underneath all of that is her passion to make sure there is help out there for others experiencing domestic abuse; that is truly inspiring.”
You can make difference by supporting Micky’s Fundraiser
All money raised by Micky will directly support PAC’s life-changing services, ensuring they can continue to be a beacon of hope for those in the community. You can show your support for Micky and PAC by donating to her JustGiving page: https://bit.ly/Micky-Marathon
PAC is here for you
If you live in East Lancashire and you or someone you know has been affected by Youth Homelessness, Domestic Abuse, or Poor Mental Health – you are not alone and PAC is here to help. For more information about our services or to get in touch for advice or support please go to www.p-a-c.org.uk