Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Hi! I’m Aasia, and I’m 26 years old (as of today!). I’m running the London Marathon in April 2025 for Disability Rights UK. I’m originally from Lancashire, but moved to Essex in 2024, to be closer to my job, part of which involves enabling people with disabilities and long-term health conditions to access welfare support and benefits that they are entitled to. Outside of work, I love my family (especially my nephews and nieces), biryani, Victoria Sponge cake, politics, arts and crafts (I’m currently working on making clay sculptures of all the British Prime Ministers) and of course, running.
Have you run a marathon before? What is your planned training in the lead up to the event?
I’ve never ran a marathon before but I’m very excited to run my first. I’ve run a few 10k and 5ks, but not quite ventured into marathon territory. Training is a little bit intense but I’m trying to be kind to myself and fit it into my schedule. It involves 16 weeks of different types of runs – easier runs at a steady pace, longer runs up to 20 miles and plenty of rest and recovery. My knee can be a bit dodgy so I’m trying to pace myself, keep it slow and steady, but I’m still working on that. I can be very ‘all-or-nothing’ as a person and tend to go full speed ahead, or not at all. As a result, I’m working on learning to chill out a bit more and stay consistent.
What's your favourite part of marathon training?
I love the feeling of release I get after a run and during training. When I’m running, I’m able to relax, enjoy my surroundings and my stresses melt away - it’s just me, nature and the challenge of finishing the run. I also love the mini adventures I’m able to go on during training and finding new places to run. I’ve done various beaches in Essex and seen lots of different wildlife. I even had to get a ferry between Harwich and Felixstowe for one run I did, which was a thrill.
What made you fundraise for Disability Rights UK?
Honestly, it was a no-brainer! Disability Rights UK seemed to be a match that made sense for everything I believe in—fighting for equality, giving people a voice, and making sure everyone gets the support they deserve. I’ve spent years working to help Disabled people navigate complicated systems, so when the chance came to combine that passion with running, I felt ready. I believe Disability Rights UK are fundamental in enabling access to justice and I’m just grateful they’ve let me fundraise for them.
Why are you passionate about the fight for disability rights and equality?
Disability rights isn’t just a cause to me - it’s personal. I’ve spent my career helping people fight for their rights, and I’ve seen how hard that fight can be. But it’s also close to home. I’ve watched my best friends, my family and my colleagues struggle against a system that doesn’t always make life easy for Disabled people. On top of that, I’ve fought my own battles as a teenager with crippling OCD and various hospital stays. I know how important it is to have someone in your corner. Equality isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s essential and Disability Rights UK, for me, embodies the principle that everyone deserves the chance to live with dignity.
If you'd like to stay updated with Aasia's training and Marathon journey, you can follow her Instagram on @aasiafitness!