Callum and Ryan Davenport, brothers from Norfolk, are running their first-ever marathons to raise funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Callum, 22, and Ryan, 24, are two of Justine Davenport’s four sons. Years ago when Justine’s military marriage fell apart, she and her sons were left with little money and little resources. With nowhere else to go, Justine turned to SSAFA for help.
Justine was not disappointed:
“SSAFA were fantastic and really helped without being judgemental. They just seemed to understand and knew what to say. They helped to find charities who provided food, clothes and white goods for the home.”
“I have always told my boys that I am forever grateful to SSAFA for the support they gave us. And that one day we will be able to pay forward that support.”
Justine, Callum, and Ryan are members of the Norfolk Gazelles, a friendly running club based in Norwich. The three of them have been entering races for years, but this will be the first marathon for Callum and Ryan.
This year Ryan secured a place in the London Marathon through the club entry. He will be raising funds for Stanmore Hospital, who removed a potentially paralysing tumour from his spine when he was 12. Callum wanted to run alongside his brother, and he was able to secure a charity place thanks to SSAFA.
The TCS London Marathon is this Sunday, 21 April. You can donate to their JustGiving page here: https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/callum-davenport.
More information about SSAFA can be found at www.ssafa.org.uk.
