Shropshire dad’s powerful running mission for Down’s Syndrome charities
A Shropshire dad is lacing up his running shoes and taking on a series of major endurance challenges to raise money and awareness for two charities that have supported his family through some of their most important moments.
Tom Langford, husband to Jody and dad to four children, is raising funds for the Down’s Syndrome Association and Down Syndrome UK after his youngest daughter, Poppy, was born with Down’s Syndrome (Trisomy 21).
Tom says both charities have played a vital role in Poppy’s life and in supporting the whole family, from before her birth through to her early years.
“Our journey with Poppy has been supported in so many ways,” Tom explains. “From pre-birth support for me and my wife, to care at Birmingham Children’s Hospital when Poppy needed a life-saving operation just two days after she was born, and ongoing support with communication and learning as she’s grown.”
To give something back, Tom has committed to a packed calendar of running challenges throughout 2026, combining fundraising with raising awareness of Down’s Syndrome and the charities that support families across the UK.
The first challenge begins on 21st March 2026, when Tom will join a team from RunAcrossUK and the Down’s Syndrome Association to take part in a relay run from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Tom’s section of the relay will cover 29 miles, running from Congleton Train Station to Stafford Train Station and passing through Stoke along the way.
The following day, despite what he expects will be very tired legs, Tom will take on the Ironbridge Half Marathon in Telford. He previously completed the hilly course in 2024 and says it is one of his favourite races.
On 12th April 2026, he will then head to London to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon in support of Down Syndrome UK, tackling 13.1 miles through the capital and past some of the city’s most iconic sights.
And the challenges do not stop there. Tom plans to continue with a mix of 10K races, half marathons, full marathons and even one or two ultra-distance events later in the year.
Tom says the motivation behind the challenges is simple.
“This is my way of saying thank you to two incredible charities that have supported Poppy and our family from the very beginning,” he says.
Funds raised will be split equally between the Down’s Syndrome Association and Down Syndrome UK, helping them continue to provide support, information and advocacy for families across the country.
Anyone wishing to donate or share Tom’s fundraising page is encouraged to do so, helping to ensure these vital charities can continue making a difference for children like Poppy and their families.
