Bangor University lecturer to run London Marathon in support of husband

A Bangor University lecturer will be running London Marathon in support of husband.

Catherine Storey, a senior lecturer in the School of Education at Bangor University, is taking part in the 2025 London Marathon for a charity close to her heart.

When Catherine met her husband Ralph at 19, he had already received a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, an incurable inflammatory bowel disease affecting one in 123 people across the UK.

Now, as a mother of two, Catherine is showing support for her husband and others affected by this disease by running 26.2 miles for the biggest running event in the UK across the iconic London course.

Her marathon is all in fundraising support of Crohn’s and Colitis UK, a charity very special to her family.

Crohn’s and Colitis UK, support those diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder, raising vital funds to improve research and bring those together whose lives have been affected.

In 2022 alone, the charity raised £7.2 million with help from people like Catherine, donating and helping to raise awareness on the severe condition, many are unaware of.

Ralph, now 39, has suffered from Crohn’s for 17 years. Overtime he has developed secondary conditions as a result such as arthritis and Ménière’s disease, resulting in a loss of hearing and vertigo attacks.

He has undergone numerous surgeries to help manage the illness, and while his most recent surgery has been life changing, the symptoms of his secondary conditions continue to affect his life daily.

Catherine has been training hard four times a week in preparation for the marathon and has been updating the JustGiving page with her progress as the marathon gets nearer. Aiming to complete the marathon in four hours and 10 minutes, Catherine has received great support from family and friends.

She has also surpassed her target, raising 20 per cent above her fundraising goal of £2,000.