A Shropshire man completed 39 marathons across England’s historic counties to raise nearly £90,000 for baby loss charity Tommy’s, culminating in Norfolk on September 19, 2025, after a 2022 miscarriage and personal grief.
Olly Brown, a 34-year-old from Shrewsbury, finished his 39-week challenge on September 19, running one marathon per week through all 39 of England’s historic counties to support baby loss charity Tommy’s. The endeavor, which began on December 28, raised nearly £90,000—a figure he described as “incredible” and satisfying for us
in a statement reported by the BBC. His efforts, driven by personal loss and a desire to combat stigma, included weekly runs with locals who had experienced pregnancy or baby loss, creating a network of shared stories and solidarity.
A Personal Journey Through 39 Marathons
Brown’s challenge was deeply personal. After a traumatic miscarriage in 2022, he and his wife, Amy, founded the charity Marathon for Miracles to raise awareness and funds for Tommy’s, a U.K. organization focused on pregnancy complications and baby loss. The worst thing that people experience is just that sense of loneliness and isolation,
Brown said in a statement from the Maidenhead Advertiser. By knowing it’s more common than you think, this is a real comfort to people.
The marathon journey was not without physical and emotional challenges. Brown admitted to relying on painkillers and physical therapy
to complete the 39 runs, as detailed in a profile by People. He also documented his struggles on social media, sharing posts like Training for too many marathons alongside work, a toddler and life doesn’t always look how you would draw it up on a training plan.
The Impact of a 39-Week Challenge
The challenge also highlighted the broader societal taboo around baby loss. By sharing his story and those of others, he aimed to lift the taboo around all things miscarriage, baby loss and infertility,
as stated by him and his wife in a charity statement.
Legacy and Future Plans
With the challenge complete, Brown is now focusing on family and rest. We’re going on holiday for a couple of weeks, so that’s priority number one, some time with the kids and the family… no major plans,
he said in a BBC interview. However, his work with Tommy’s continues. The charity has already secured him a place in the 2027 London Marathon, and Brown hinted at the possibility of repeating the challenge: I think Tommy’s might want me to do it again next year, but I think that might have to wait.
The broader impact of his efforts is already visible. The Maidenhead Advertiser reported that Brown’s River Thames towns challenge alone raised over £75,000, while the BBC noted that he had surpassed his initial fundraising goal. We’re blown away really—people’s generosity has been incredible,
he said in a BBC statement, reflecting on the outpouring of support that made the journey possible. Additionally, Brown, a former Henley Royal Regatta competitor, ran through riverside towns as part of his challenge, according to the Maidenhead Advertiser.