26 May 2026

At IPSEA, we rely on phenomenal fundraisers to help us provide our free services for families of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and power our policy work and campaigning.

We have been blown away by our incredible team of runners who took on the Hackney Half Marathon for IPSEA on 17 May. Relte, Lucie, Lindsey, Helen and Chloe have raised over £4,000 collectively – with every runner smashing their £350 individual fundraising target!

Each runner had their own inspiring reason for taking part, but they all shared a commitment to supporting children and young people with SEND.

Among them was Chloe, a teacher for children with SEND, who described it as the “best job”. Despite tripping over between miles 10 and 11, she went on to cross the finish line in an impressive two hours and ten minutes.

Reflecting after the race, Chloe said:

“I had so much fun and loved running for IPSEA and learning about the amazing work you do in the process. It was such a fun day (until somewhere between mile 10-11)… I was feeling good. Thinking I would get sub 2 hours but then in all the chaos I tripped over. Some lovely people helped me up and checked I was ok. Luckily I rolled over my shoulder, so have only ended up with a graze down my arm. After a bit of time collecting myself, a banana and finding my AirPod. I was determined to still finish the race and got running again. “

Here’s Chloe after the race, proudly holding a lovely sign made by one of her students:

Another member of #TeamIPSEA, Helen, said:

“IPSEA is the most brilliant charity. There are so many children with SEND who don’t get access to the education they are legally entitled to, which has a huge impact on themselves and their families. The support IPSEA provides to families negotiating the SEND system is invaluable and makes such a huge difference. ”

This year’s Hackney Half Marathon raised more than £4 million for charities and saw 27,000 runners take part in the event. The route winds past a number of iconic local landmarks in the east London borough before finishing at Hackney Marshes.

We are enormously grateful to everyone who took on this epic challenge for IPSEA to help protect, promote and uphold the legal rights of children and young people with SEND at such an important time.

You can still support our amazing team by making a donation on JustGiving.

Feeling inspired? Check out the wide range of challenges you can take on for IPSEA. From half marathons to cycling adventures - there's an event for you!