We are thrilled to introduce Jamie Kilmartin, one of our incredible fundraisers, taking on the London Marathon in support of Leeds Mind. Jamie will run a whopping 26.2 miles to raise money for mental health services in Leeds and West Yorkshire.
We spoke with Jamie about this incredible fundraising campaign, getting his thoughts on everything from his motivations and training process to his post-marathon celebration plans. Jamie has already raised an incredible amount for our charity, and we are so proud to have him on Team Leeds Mind. Read on to get to know this fantastic fundraiser.
Going the distance
For many people, the London Marathon represents a major physical milestone. For Jamie, it’s also a chance to push himself mentally, support a cause he believes in, and celebrate the city that shaped him. London 2026 will be his first ever marathon.
“I enjoy challenges that involve mental and physical disciplined training. Mostly to give myself a structured routine. A marathon was always something I wanted to tick off my list.”
With the Leeds 10k being the longest distance he has completed, he describes himself as someone who has “never been a runner!”, which makes his commitment to this race and our charity even more impressive. But for Jamie, that’s what drew him to this challenge. The London Marathon is an opportunity to step outside his comfort zone and prove what’s possible.
Why he chose Leeds Mind
Leeds Mind provides life-changing mental health support to the community in Leeds and West Yorkshire, and the impact we have over the last 54 years has spread region-wide. Despite not having a personal connection to the charity, Jamie tells us that Leeds Mind felt like a natural choice for his fundraising.
“[Leeds Mind is] a charity I have always followed, and the city of Leeds and fellow Loiners are something I am very passionate about. The Leeds Mind office is also based in Horsforth, where I grew up.”
As someone working in the construction industry, mental health is an issue he sees first-hand. In 2025, it was reported that almost a quarter of individuals in the construction industry experience stress on a daily basis, and as many as 27% has experienced suicidal thoughts at some point during the year.
“Mental health is especially important in the construction industry, where long hours, pressure, and a traditionally male-dominated culture can make it harder for people to speak up or get support. That’s one of the main reasons this cause means a lot to me.”
He hopes his fundraising will make a meaningful contribution:
“The people at Leeds Mind are fantastic. Fundraising provides the financial resources to support their mission, programmes and further engagement. I hope I can contribute to this.”
What mental health means to Jamie
“Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s important that everyone takes care of it. It’s a personal journey that varies greatly from person to person. It’s important for people to remember they are not alone.”
For Jamie, this marathon isn’t just about raising money. He hopes that taking on this challenge will encourage people to talk more about mental health and improve awareness of mental health and the way it impacts our lives.
“I’d like to use this challenge not just to raise funds, but also to help raise awareness and keep the conversation around mental health moving in the right direction.”
Tackling training in the winter and dealing with setbacks
Like many runners, Jamie’s had to adapt to the ups and downs of marathon prep and learn a new type of training to take on this immense challenge.
“I’m currently coming off the back of a small calf injury that put me back 2 to 3 weeks. But back in the swing of it now and a lot happier that lighter and brighter mornings are coming.”
The training itself has been the biggest challenge, he tells us, “It makes you appreciate the dedication of everyone who has completed a marathon. Plenty of early mornings and tired legs. Training through winter doesn’t help. Having said all of that, I try to put a positive spin on it and build mental resilience.”
His favourite part of training? The fuelling!
“A huge positive is eating a lot more! Make sure you get them extra calories in to fuel your body.”
His fundraiser is already miles ahead
The London Marathon is more than just a race. On top of the gruelling distance, running for Leeds Mind means striving for a fundraising target of £2000, a huge challenge in itself. Jamie has already smashed this target and has set himself the challenge of getting £8000.
“Fundraising is going well so far. Currently 84% of my target has been achieved. I’m confident we will reach the target set.”
Roll on race day!
Taking on the marathon for the first time, Jamie’s time goal is ambitious but grounded. While the finish line is the goal, he told us how excited he is to soak up the atmosphere of the event.
“I am crossing everything for a sub-4-hour marathon. I don’t want to put too much pressure on this, as I believe it may ruin the occasion.”
“I’ve spoken to people who have run the London marathon before, and everyone has mentioned how amazing the atmosphere is.”
We know that challenges like this one don’t often come without their fair share of nerves, but Jamie’s approach means he’s got a handle on those.
“The only thing that makes me nervous is the thought of injuries! With regards to the race, I’m hoping it will be a case of train hard, race easy…ish!”
With race day approaching, he’s opted to turn off the tunes. “I’m currently running without headphones to get me used to race day. I’m finding it quite difficult!”
We would find it hard to run without some of our favourite tunes to keep us pumped, but Jamie’s mantra tells us all we need to know about his gritty and practical take on training:
“‘Comfort is the enemy of growth.”
Celebrating success after the finish line
Marathons are a huge commitment, with long training plans and a need for real resilience and determination. After months of preparation, it all comes down to one day and a huge push to get over the finish line. We asked Jamie what he had planned to celebrate his achievement after he’s completed the race.
“Within 15 minutes of crossing the line, I’m hoping to have a cold pint of Guinness in my hand, to celebrate with my family.”
For Jamie, family is everything, and his post-finish line plans reflect that. After heading back to Leeds in the evening after the race, he’ll be taking the opportunity to spend time with his daughters.
“We’re travelling back to Leeds in the evening, and I have booked Monday off work to do the things I don’t usually get the chance to, such as taking my daughters to nursery and school.”
Proud of our fundraisers
We are incredibly proud to have Jamie on Team Leeds Mind. The hard work and determination are already paying off, with his fundraising total growing each day. We are sure he will make light work of the London Marathon on Sunday, 26th April and will do his daughters proud!
Fundraisers like Jamie and Esther are so important to Leeds Mind. The generosity and drive of everyone who runs a race, takes on a hike, descends the crag, and walks the coals impresses us time and time again. Funds raised by all of our amazing fundraisers help us to continue to provide counselling, peer support, befriending, suicide bereavement support and more mental health support to those in our community who need it.
You can keep up with Jamie’s progress and support him here: Leeds Mind: Jamie’s page
