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Meet some of the runners from the Diss Express area to cheer for during London Marathon 2025




Runners are lacing up their trainers and heading to the London Marathon starting line – here are just a few from the Diss Express area who you will want to cheer for along the way.

Alan Pagan will attempt to complete the world-famous 26.2 mile race through the capital with his efforts set to be cheered on 100 miles away in Diss.

The 47-year-old has been raising money for Dove Dementia Cafe, which meets once a month at Diss United Reformed Church.

Marathon runner Alan Pagan. Picture submitted
Marathon runner Alan Pagan. Picture submitted

Co-founded by his mother, Gabrielle, and Alison Bannister, the venture has grown from one sole visitor at its launch to regularly attracting 50 people a month.

Mr Pagan, a music teacher by trade, said: “Dementia is one of the UK’s biggest health challenges, affecting millions of people, often leaving those living with it and their carers feeling isolated.

“Support services are vital, yet they often struggle for funding – this is why every penny raised makes a difference.

The Dove Dementia Cafe, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, was founded by Alison Bannister, left, and Gabrielle Pagan. Picture: Mark Bullimore
The Dove Dementia Cafe, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, was founded by Alison Bannister, left, and Gabrielle Pagan. Picture: Mark Bullimore

“The cafe provides a welcoming, supportive space for those affected, and their families. Mum frequently updates me on the inspiring connections made there: the laughter, the shared stories, and the friendships that are formed.

“I am just so proud to be running this iconic race to help keep this vital community initiative thriving.”

The support group celebrated its 10th anniversary in February, when a short church service was followed by party games and lunch.

Mum Gabrielle said: “When Alan asked me if he could raise money for the cafe, I said yes immediately. I am so proud of him for running for us.”

To donate, go to justgiving.com and search for Alan Pagan.

Our second runner is A young mother, inspired by the struggles of her daughter, is set to journey to the capital for the world’s most famous street race.

Taila Taylor will take on the London Marathon for the first time tomorrow, when she runs for the National Autistic Society.

The charity has a close connection to Ms Taylor as her three-year-old daughter, Paisley, is being assessed for autism – a broad range of conditions characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviour, speech and non-verbal communication

Taila Taylor, is taking on the London Marathon for the National Autistic Society as her daughter, Paisley is currently being assessed for autism. Picture: Mark Bullimore
Taila Taylor, is taking on the London Marathon for the National Autistic Society as her daughter, Paisley is currently being assessed for autism. Picture: Mark Bullimore

“She was 14 months old, when I noticed she was getting over stimulated and was not talking as she should be,” said the 30-year-old.

“Trying to get a diagnosis is such a long-winded process. With a few of my friends also having children with additional needs, I can see how demand is growing.

“There needs to be more awareness, understanding and funding to help more families like mine.”

Ms Taylor, who has worked in local government for the last decade, is the third generation of her family to be appointed mayor of Attleborough – and the youngest on record.

Born and bred in the town, she said that training for her first marathon had been difficult, but she would be employing a strategy of mind over matter to crack the 26.2-mile course.

“Before I had Paisley, I did not realise the deficit of support when it came to getting an assessment in Attleborough, which is such a growing town,” she said.

“By taking on the marathon, I hope I can spread a little more awareness about autism and, hopefully, help others by speeding up the diagnosis process.”

Ms Taylor, who raised £1,080 for the cause at her civic reception at the start of the month, is exploring setting up weekly SEND support sessions in the town.

“I feel so passionately about helping to support people with additional needs,” she said. “I want to thank everyone who has donated and supported me so far.”

To donate, go to bit.ly/4jqWwmK.

Finally, a promise between a former British ambassador to Iran and a hostage in captivity will be fulfuilled at the London Marathon today.

Simon Shercliff met Anoosheh Ashoori when he was in his post in the Middle East, while the latter spent his final few months in an Iranian prison.

Mr Ashoori had been incarcerated as a political prisoner for four-and-a-half years, before being released in March 2022.

Anoosheh Ashoori and Simon Shercliff. Picture submitted
Anoosheh Ashoori and Simon Shercliff. Picture submitted

Anoosheh Ashoori and Simon Shercliff will run alongside each other in next weekend’s London Marathon. Picture: Contributed

“When we first met, Anoosheh was still in jail, but he told me that he was trying to keep fit by running around the prison courtyard,” Mr Shercliff, from Framlingham.

“His dream was to run the London Marathon if he ever made it home, and we made a promise that, if it happened, we would run together.”

While this will be Mr Ashoori’s fourth London Marathon since his release, his running partner, Mr Shercliff, who was involved in the negotiations to secure his release, will take on the 26.2-mile course for the first time, having only recently returned from Iran.

“I met Simon in my darkest days, never sure if I would ever be free and this shared goal helped me to keep my dream of freedom alive,” said Mr Ashoori.

The pair have decided to run together to raise money for Hostage International, a charity co-founded by Sir Terry Waite to support hostages and their families after their release.

“Anoosheh is an extraordinary individual,” said Mr Shercliff. “He has been an inspiration to so many of us, even if we cannot imagine the hardships he went through.

“This promise brought us together, so I was determined to make it come true.”

Having set a target of raising £10,000, the pair have already topped this, with £10,740 secured.

To donate, go to justgiving.com and search for ‘Anoosheh and Simon’.

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