The Locke family are about to run another marathon for WheelPower, but this one is different… there is no target time, they are simply running this one as a family. A dad and his two daughters, his wish being to cross the finish line with them by his side. We sit down with Georgie to discuss the family’s relationship with WheelPower.
The Locke families story starts back in 2004, when Georgie’s nan Gill was paralysed from the neck down having suffered a stroke. After spending some time in several hospitals, Gill was eventually given a bed at the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital where the Locke family’s connection with WheelPower started:
“Stoke Mandeville were phenomenal, and they were so supportive, and it was just a real eye opener to go there a couple of times a week and see what they were doing with nan but other patients too... I was with nan one day, walking around the grounds and we just sat on the track watching sport and we realised there was more to life than just the wheelchair and as a family we thought, how can we really help?”
After discovering WheelPower, the first Marathon soon followed in 2007 when Georgie’s dad Gary ran the London Marathon alongside a family friend; it’s here the family’s involvement with WheelPower really began.
Since the very first marathon, Georgie’s partner Michael has run five marathons, her cousins and many friends have run multiple marathons, all for WheelPower. Georgie has run three marathons’ for WheelPower with the 2025 event being her fourth, but this one is different to the rest.
Georgie will be running with her dad, Gary, sister Lizzie and family friend Billy. There is no target time in mind and no friendly competition in sight, it is just a simple case of starting together and finishing together.
“This one is purely about running with dad… We just want to take in London landmarks, see family and friends and raise awareness of WheelPower and what you stand for.”
Here is what dad Gary had to say about running the 2025 London marathon.
“I finally get to run with my two daughters Lizzie and Georgie (and am beyond proud), together with Billy, a dear friend. WheelPower is close to our hearts and we do this for Gill Ives, missed and very loved.”
To date, the Locke family have raised over £50,000 for WheelPower! Each year they host an evening of music, raffles, fun and laughter but the support never stops there involving many family, friends, business connections and corporate contacts along the way. These funds have played a huge part in helping transform the lives of thousands of disabled children and newly injured adults to move more, be active and play sport.
WheelPower are extremely grateful for the wonderful assistance of the Locke family. If you would like to support them this weekend as they take on the gruelling 26.2 miles, you can do so below.
