India to run London Marathon 2026 for Whittington Health Charity

In April 2025, India was placed in a medically induced coma for 10 days following a catastrophic brain injury caused by poisoning.

 

India suffered from extreme cerebral oedema (brain swelling), two brain bleeds, flu, water on her lungs, and both conscious and unconscious seizures.

She was shocked twice in resuscitation and faced a prognosis so grim that doctors repeatedly warned her family she might not survive, and if she did, she might never be the same.

 

But against all odds, India woke up. The ICU doctor who had helped save her life later told her it was the worst case of its kind he had seen in his entire career. She was described by staff as a “warrior” and a “miracle.”

 

 

 

 

 Now, having relearned how to walk, talk, eat and re-engage with life after losing 17 kg of muscle mass in the coma, India is determined to complete the marathon as a tribute to her recovery, and to raise money for the hospital that supported her through it all.

 

Donations to Whittington Health Charity support transformational projects across the Trust that enhance care and experiences for patients and staff above and beyond what NHS funding can provide. 

 

This could be something like family accommodation, funding sensory equipment to help support children and young people who have long stays in hospital, wellbeing spaces for patients undergoing cancer treatment, and medical innovation

 

India’s recovery hasn’t been without challenges. Most recently, she experienced significant hair loss, a common side effect after coma, which has deeply impacted her confidence. But training for the marathon has given her a renewed focus on what her body can do, rather than how it looks.

 

India said, “I didn’t realise how much my self-worth was tied to my hair. Having this marathon to work towards and starting to be able to run again is helping me focus on what my body can do rather than what it looks like.

 

“I cannot wait to run and raise as much money as possible for the incredible hospital that saved my life; and to prove to myself I can run a marathon and that this experience hasn’t held me back but has in fact made me stronger.

 

“Every single doctor and nurse and member of staff showed me and my loved ones so much kindness, care and support, and I have so, so much respect for them all.

 

“I would love to help give something back, to support and celebrate this charity in any small way I can, and hopefully do all the doctors and nurses at Whittington Hospital and their incredible ICU team that brought me, quite literally back to life, proud!

 

Selina Douglas, CEO of Whittington Health NHS Trust said, “India’s story is an extraordinary testament to her resilience, determination and the skill and compassion of our teams. We are incredibly proud that India has chosen to run the London Marathon in support of Whittington Health Charity.

 

"Funds raised through the charity make a real difference to patient and staff experience across the Trust, helping us go beyond core NHS provision. We will be cheering India on every step of the way!”

 

To support India’s London Marathon fundraising, donate to Whittington Health Charity via India's fundraising page.