On 26 April, over 55,000 people will take part in the London Marathon 2026. One of them will be the first ever student to run the marathon on behalf of a students' union - meet Mathura!
She's a fifth year medical student taking on the challenge of running the TCS London Marathon 2026 to raise money for the Student Participation Fund - helping students facing financial barriers get involved in extra curricular activity, all of which makes life here at UCL unforgettable.
Why do you want to raise money for the Student Participation Fund?
I want to raise money for the Student Participation Fund because I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be for students - including myself. With the rising cost of rent and living expenses, many students face difficult choices: skipping meals, missing out on social opportunities, or being unable to join the clubs and societies that make university life so special. I was in this position myself, so I feel strongly about how impactful the Students' Union's Participation Fund can be for a student!
At the start of my degree, I was embarrassed to talk about money. I didn’t understand how others could afford to take part in so many activities while I was constantly counting pennies. Discovering the Student Participation Fund completely changed that. It’s a lifeline that enables students to get involved in sports, the arts, and societies without the financial strain - opening doors to lifelong friendships, wellbeing, and confidence.
As President of RUMS Boat Club, I’m passionate about ensuring no one misses out on the chance to join a team, try something new, or find their community because of financial worries. I’ve personally benefitted from the fund - it allowed me to afford my British Rowing membership, compete, and even qualify for Henley last year, something I once thought was impossible. Rowing has been a huge source of confidence, health, and happiness for me, and I want every student to have access to that same opportunity.
By running the London Marathon, I hope to raise both funds and awareness. I want more students to know that support exists, and to feel no shame in seeking it. Talking about money shouldn’t be taboo - the Participation Fund ensures that university life is accessible to everyone, regardless of background. Supporting it means investing in inclusion, wellbeing, and community across UCL.
Talking about money shouldn’t be taboo - the Participation Fund ensures that university life is accessible to everyone, regardless of background
Why am I running?
This cause is especially important to me because I’ve seen first-hand, and experienced myself, the invaluable support the Participation Fund provides for students who want to join clubs and societies.
Being a student, especially in London, is phenomenally expensive! After covering basic living costs, many students simply don’t have the spare money to take part in sports or societies. Yet being part of a club you care about is such an important part of the university experience, and I firmly believe that financial barriers shouldn’t stop anyone from doing something they love. I'd absolutely love to be apart of facilitating as many people as possible being able to access the experience and opportunities I've been able to.
Thanks to the Participation Fund, I was able to join the sports club I’m part of today. It has allowed me to learn new skills, be part of a supportive team, and access opportunities I would not have had otherwise. Just as importantly, it’s helped me build friendships for life and connections that mean so much to me. Rowing is where I've found my lifelong friends and a community that supports and encourages me - being in fifth year now, it feels like I've grown up with them.
Help Mathura get to £26.2K
Check out Mathura's fundraising page and help her on her journey to raising £26.2K!