Running to End Fistula – Congratulations to our London Marathon 2022 runner!
London was buzzing to welcome back marathon runners last weekend – and we’re delighted to report that our runner Toby Russell achieved not only a fantastic finishing time, but also smashed his fundraising goal for Hamlin Fistula UK.
Toby’s efforts raised an amazing £2,477 – enough to fully fund three Ethiopian women’s surgeries for childbirth injuries, giving them their lives and livelihoods back.
Toby, who was running his first ever marathon, completed the race in an impressive four hours 13 minutes.
We caught up with Toby after his run to congratulate him. He told us:
“It’s great to know that the money will be going to such a great cause. My recovery is going well. I’ll be doing a light cycle later just to get my legs going again but the stiffness is slowly leaving. I’m already looking forward to the next marathon!”

We also congratulate Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw who won the women’s elite marathon in an astounding 2 hours 17 minutes despite falling on a speedbump six miles from the finish line. She picked herself up to not only catch up, but ultimately take first place.
When we spoke with Toby during his training, he had powerful reasons for choosing to support Hamlin Fistula UK as his nominated charity – and his efforts have paid off and will contribute to our fight against obstetric fistula.
Please join us to congratulate Toby!