East Lancashire Businesswoman's Inspiring Marathon Journey from Wheelchair to London
An East Lancashire businesswoman who rebuilt her life and overcame a severe injury is now entering the final, gruelling stages of training ahead of the 2026 London Marathon. Micky Marsden, co-founder of JaroHR, is running on behalf of the local charity Positive Action in the Community, known as PAC.
Remarkable Fundraising and Personal Resilience
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. However, her journey to the starting line is a profound story of resilience and determination that has captured the hearts of many.
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 initially.
Accelerated Progress and Training Milestones
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 an impressive 30 kilometres. Now safely in her taper period, she is fully prepared for the big day in London.
Deeply Personal Driving Force
While her physical transformation is extraordinary, her true driving force is deeply personal and rooted in her own experiences. 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. "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."
Community Support and Business Backing
The local community has rallied behind her incredible effort with significant enthusiasm and generosity. Micky has received substantial 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. This support highlights the strong community spirit in East Lancashire.
Inspiring Words from Charity Representative
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 five 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."
How to Support This Noble Cause
You can make a meaningful 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. If you live in East Lancashire and you or someone you know has been affected by Youth Homelessness, Domestic Abuse, or Poor Mental Health, remember that you are not alone and PAC is here to help.
