A few weeks ago, Gavin Lines, director of Bedford Timber, achieved an incredible milestone by completing the TCS London Marathon. In just two months, he raised over £3,000 for The Stroke Association, a cause that holds deep personal significance for him.

Central to his fundraising efforts was a fantastic charity night hosted at Cranfield United Football Club. The event brought the local community together, raising over £1,500 in one evening. From raffle prizes to darts tournaments, handmade crafts, and delicious tray bakes, the night was filled with fun and generosity, all for an amazing cause.

This was such a great experience. I can’t put into words the support you receive from mile 1-26 from the most iconic marathon in the world”
– Gavin Lines, Bedford Director

Gavin’s connection to the Stroke Association is a personal one. In August 2021, he suffered a TIA (commonly referred to as a mini-stroke), a moment that shocked both him and his family. Fortunately, Gavin was able to recover without major repercussions, but it was a wake-up call that led him to make positive changes in his lifestyle, including improvements to his diet and a commitment to regular exercise.

It was during this time that Gavin learned how fortunate he had been—every five minutes, someone in the UK suffers a stroke, and many are left facing life-changing consequences. This realisation inspired Gavin to take action. Running the London Marathon not only became a personal challenge but also an opportunity to raise awareness and support for those who aren’t as lucky.

Gavin’s determination didn’t end at the finish line. He has already signed up for the London Half-Marathon later this year and plans to take on the Paris Marathon in 2026, continuing to raise funds for The Stroke Association.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who donated, attended the charity night, or supported Gavin in any way. Together, you’ve made a difference for an incredible cause, and your generosity is truly appreciated.

If you would like to contribute to Gavin’s ongoing fundraising efforts or learn more about his journey, you can donate here.

For anyone affected by stroke, support is available at stroke.org.uk or via their helpline on 0303 3033 100.