Two members of staff at Maidenhead United Football Club will be running a marathon on the 26th of April. Community Trust Manager Helen Preedy and Commercial Director Sian Lancaster will be taking on the Düsseldorf and London Marathon respectively.
Across the day more than 100,000 people will be completing the just over 42km course by whatever means it may take them.
Heading across Europe to Germany Helen will be representing the Reading Düsseldorf Association and raising funds for Maidenhead United FC Juniors, click here to donate.
This race marks a special milestone for Helen - her first marathon abroad and her first visit to Germany, after taking a break from marathons for six years. Now back in training, she’s embracing the challenge with renewed energy:
“Marathons are such a great way to experience a city. This opportunity inspired me to start training again—and it’s been fantastic sharing the journey (and training tips!) with my colleague Sian.”
Helen has long supported international youth opportunities through twinning programmes, helping young people build unforgettable memories through sport and cultural exchange. When the chance came to represent Twinning herself, she didn’t hesitate.
Now, she’s running for an even bigger purpose. Helen is raising funds to support young people who need help accessing football through Maidenhead United FC Juniors - covering essential costs like membership and kit, so no one misses out.
Sian will be boarding the Elizabeth Line before taking to the streets of London and running for Tommy’s, the pregnancy and baby charity – an organisation that hits very close to home.
“I sadly had a late miscarriage and lost my baby son at 21 weeks. His due date was 1st April 2000, so he would have been 26 this year. To run the 26.2 miles on the 26th of April 2026 will be deeply poignant, and I want to do it in memory of my baby boy while raising valuable funds to support Tommy’s and the incredible work they do.”
The impact of pregnancy and baby loss can last a lifetime. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Tommy’s research is changing the future of pregnancy, but they can’t do it alone. They need our support to fund research and provide the care that families rely on.
"This Sunday, I am running the London Marathon in support of Tommy’s – a charity that does incredible work funding research into miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.
"Like many runners, there is a personal reason behind why I signed up. For me, the number 26 holds a lot of meaning - which makes this challenge even more significant.
"To anyone else running – you have already done the hardest part. Now it’s about enjoying the day and taking it all in. I would like to wish my colleague, Helen Preedy all the very best as she takes on the Dusseldorf marathon on Sunday too."
Sian’s full story and a link to donate is available here.
Everyone at Maidenhead United would like to wish Sian, Helen and any other Magpies running a marathon all the very best of luck!
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