Lara Bone will be at the London Marathon starting line on 26th April, hoping to raise £2,000 for first aid charity St John’s Ambulance. She shares her motivations with Leïla Davaud

A woman standing on a boar on the River Thames with London skyscrapers in the background — Lara Bone is running the London Marathon later this month

For Lara Bone, running 26.2 miles is about far more than crossing a finish line. The 22-year-old community sports manager at Better Barnet leisure centres will take on her first London Marathon later this month in aid of St John’s Ambulance.

Her reason for supporting the first aid charity? “I want to become a paramedic,” Lara explains. “I can’t afford the training right now, but in the meantime I want to support the people at St John’s Ambulance who show up for their community every day.”

Her connection to the cause began almost immediately after starting her job. “On my second day as a lifeguard, someone collapsed outside the building. I had to resuscitate them. It was surreal.” When the paramedics arrived and she watched them work, something shifted. “It just made something click in me.”

That sense of vocation runs in the family. “My dad was in adult care and my mum worked with the police. Helping people, it’s just in us,” she says.

On race day, Lara will have a very special support, just as in training. “My grandmother’s home is on my running route, so I pop by for a biscuit and some encouragement. She’ll be present at the marathon, one of the best part of the day.” Friends and other family members will also be cheering her on from the sidelines.

As for crossing the finish line? Lara is upbeat. “I’ll either make it or fall down and be rescued by St John’s Ambulance paramedics. Either way, I’ll be in good hands,” she laughs.

Her fundraising target is £2,000. Every donation goes directly to St John’s Ambulance, helping fund the volunteers and staff who provide vital first aid support at events and emergencies across London and beyond.

To support Lara’s fundraising, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/lara-bone-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

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