My Story

Luiza, Jorge, Nuno, Filipa and Liliana 

Five enthusiastic runners from Portugal that came together to run the London Marathon 2022 for a cause! Sports are part of our lives but so are pople and being able to give back in some way to the world. That is why it makes sense to run for something, to fundraise - through sports we help others.

Chain of Hope exists to help children with heart disease in developing and war-torn countries. We are all very proud and happy to be able to fundraise for such an important and life-changing cause.

Here is a little bit of our stories:

Luiza: 'I discovered running in 2006, I travel a lot for work and it's a sport I can do anywhere. Since then it has changed me in so much! I have always seen running as a way to relax, a sort of therapy. In the past years I started to focus and take the sport more seriously, culminating in my first Marathon last year. This opportunity to run the iconic London Marathon for Chain of Hope is extremly important for me - I love when sports get together with causes and the work Chain of Hope does transforms and saves so many lives! In Portugal I am the president of an NGO that takes humour and laughter to pediatric hospitals through the art of specialized clowns, so I have a deep understanding of the importance of fundraising for NGO's. I also lived ten years in London - a city that became so close to my heart and cannot wait to run those streets I love so much!

Jorge: 'London is London!!! Even for those who don't know the city as well as they would like to! This Marathon is on my to-do wish list so... let's go! Let's do this! Running is a pleasure, helping people is my life. Participating in this challenge wearing the 'Chain of Hope' jersey is just perfect!'

Nuno: 'When I was 33 years old I accepted the challenge of running my first marathon, I haven't stopped since. I have now finished 33 marathons. What moves me when running is the spirit of sacrifice, the focus, the resilience, the sufferinf, the pleausre and the joy of finishing. These are all the feelings that make running a Marathon magical!. Running the London Marathon is a big goal of mine, running for a cause makes it even more special. Happy to run for Chain of Hope, for those children who can't do it.'

Filipa: Running for me is a safe haven. It is part of my life and is fundamental to give me balance, health and time for myself. Sports in general are a pilar in my family and day-to-day - I run my own business, have two beautiful daughters and am proudly married to an ‘IronFarmer’ - my husband is a triathlete and that has also a huge influence in the way I look at life and the importance of being active. I am so proud and look forward to running the London Marathon for ‘Chain of Hope’ – to run with a cause makes it even more special!

Liliana: 'I have been running for 12 years now and I can honestly say it has not only changed my life, it has changed who I am. Having completed nine Marathons, to be able to run the London Marathon for Chain of Hope, means a lot to me, it's taking this change one step further and using my running to put a smile in other peoples's faces - the children, their families, the health professionals.It us truly a gift from Universe'.