Dean Hughes takes public transport whenever he goes to work. He doesn’t jog, and he isn’t a runner. He jokingly says he gets ‘knackered’ if he has to run to catch a bus. Yet, in a twist of irony, Dean is also gearing up to take part in the most famous run in the whole world – the London Marathon.
Acorns volunteer’s inspiring journey to the London Marathon
Acorns volunteer’s inspiring journey to the London Marathon
21st April 2026
A once-in-a-lifetime experience
The 52-year-old IT worker from Birmingham, who has been volunteering for Acorns Children’s Hospice for 14 years, understands the enormity of what he’s doing.
But with just weeks to go until the big day, Dean says he ‘didn’t hesitate’ to choose Acorns to fundraise for – and is encouraging others to apply to take part in next year’s internationally-renowned event regardless of their abilities.
Dean said: “It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s one of the major events across the world, and to be doing it for Acorns – it’s a fantastic charity for all the right reasons and what it does in caring for seriously ill children their families.”
Dean’s training journey for the 26-mile event has been a challenge. He started at ‘zero’, but following the London Marathon’s 16-week beginner’s training plan he first started walking, fundraising, and following recommended nutrition guidelines.
He said: “I went from literally zero to 5k within a week, and zero to 10km in three weeks. I was exhausted all of the time, but it felt absolutely amazing. You sort of build up your strength and find out you’ve got muscles where you didn’t know you had them.
‘Anyone can do it, even if they think they can’t’
When I’m running I often think ‘why the hell am I doing this’, but other times I’ll just be in my own world. I am feeling really excited about taking part.”
Dean, whose volunteering has seen him help out at many Acorns events, hopes his story will now inspire others and says everyone should apply to join the London Marathon to run for Acorns when the ballot opens for the 2027 event.
He said: “Anyone can do it, even if they think they can’t, but it is mind over matter, and like anything in life, if you want to do something then just do it.
“After the marathon I’ll probably say ‘never again’ – but then a week later think ‘that was the best thing ever’ and use it as an excuse to go to random countries and take part in other marathons across the world.”
For more information and to register your interest in joining #TeamAcorns at the TCS London Marathon 2027 visit acorns.org.uk/londonmarathon
Caring for children with life-limiting conditions
Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and support for their families.
In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 800 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,100 families, including those who are bereaved. This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.
Acorns needs around £40,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with more than 75% of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community and income from its charity shops.