With just over a week to go until race day on Sunday 26 April, our founder, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, is preparing to take on one of the world’s most iconic endurance events once again – the London Marathon.
Known for his determination both in and out of the operating theatre, Noel is stepping up to the start line to raise money for the charity he created, built on his lifelong belief that advancing medical knowledge across species can change the future for both humans and animals.
This is the third time for Noel tackling the 26.2 mile challenge. He shared:
“I’ll soon be taking on a significant physical and mental challenge – running the great London Marathon for a third time.
It has been a theme in my life to take on what is seemingly impossible, and for many who know of the physical struggles with my injuries, this may seem implausible. But for me, pushing through barriers and aiming high is where I find peace, revelation, and personal growth.
Facing this intimidating challenge is worthwhile if it helps generate awareness and funds for the cause I am passionate about.
What Is One Medicine?
I founded a charity in 2014 called Humanimal Trust. This charity funds medical research and education that helps humans AND animals at the same time. The charity funds studies in areas such as cancer, arthritis, neurological diseases or infection in animals and humans actually affected by these diseases side-by-side and without taking an animal life. These diseases affect all our families – human and animal.
We educate doctors, vets, and the general public about how sharing medical knowledge between species can make our world vastly better. This is the philosophy of One Medicine – every patient wins; every being wins – human and animal.
Overcoming injury and mental barriers
I wholeheartedly believe in my reason big enough to do this, even with the memories of the pain of my last marathon, where I broke my ankle. I do not underestimate how much physical and mental effort it will take to achieve this, but with my core beliefs, a good dose of determined tenacity and your support, I believe it is indeed possible.
I encourage everyone to aim high, even when your body or your circumstances don’t lend themselves to ‘winning’. Your choices really do make you who you are.
I’ll run, walk, or crawl through a 26-mile run and give whatever it takes, knowing I’m doing it for my central goal in life – to give voices to those who have no voices – the animals we love – and to give them a fair deal in medicine.
Full disclosure – it’s possible that I may not make it to the finish line – if my broken ankle doesn’t hold up, I’ve taken medical advice, and I’ll stop only if I absolutely have to, but I wholeheartedly believe the effort is worth it – and I hope you do too.
If you can support the cause I’m running for and you believe it’s worthwhile, then please do.
Thank you so much. It truly means so much and will be my driving force as I prepare for this challenge over the coming weeks.”
How you can support Noel Fitzpatrick
As Noel takes on this extraordinary personal challenge, every step he runs helps raise awareness and vital funds to advance One Medicine, benefiting both humans and animals alike.
To support him, click here.
If Noel’s challenge inspires you, why not take on your own for Humanimal Trust? You could take part in our upcoming abseil down the Spinnaker Tower, take on a skydive, or run the Antrim Coast Half Marathon. Every step or leap makes a difference.