Marathon effort inspired by daughter’s journey and life-changing support from Wooden Spoon

When Michael Dugdale takes on the iconic London Marathon this April, every mile will be driven by something far more meaningful than a finish time.

He is running for his daughter Megan and for the life-changing impact that Wooden Spoon has had on children just like her.

When Michael Dugdale takes on the iconic London Marathon this April, every mile will be driven by something far more meaningful than a finish time.

He is running for his daughter Megan and for the life-changing impact that Wooden Spoon has had on children and young people like her.

Megan, now 20, lives with the rare genetic condition Malan Syndrome and spent her school years in supported education at Park Community Academy and Woodlands School in Blackpool. For children with additional needs, access to safe, engaging outdoor spaces and physical activity is vital, not just for fitness, but for confidence, development and joy.

That’s why the support of Wooden Spoon has meant so much to Michael and his family.

Through a £25,000 donation, the charity helped fund a Pirate Ship play area at Park Community Academy creating a vibrant, inclusive space where children can play, learn, thrive and be safe.

“Seeing the children enjoy that space was incredibly special,” Michael says. “Facilities like that make such a difference. It’s not just play, it’s about giving children opportunities, building confidence and creating moments of happiness that really matter.”

Michael saw that impact first-hand when pupils from Park Community Academy and Woodlands School attended a Wooden Spoon charity lunch to celebrate the opening of the play area. “It brought everything to life,” he adds. “That’s when I knew I wanted to give something back.”

While his daughter’s journey is at the heart of his motivation, Michael’s own story has also played a defining role in getting him to the start line.

A keen runner in his youth, Michael returned to the sport in 2019 but struggled with consistency as the demands of everyday life and burning the candle at both ends took their toll. It wasn’t until a serious health scare in August 2025 that everything changed

“That was the wake-up call I needed,” he explains. “It made me reassess my health and commit to making lasting changes. Taking on the London Marathon felt like a powerful way to do that while also supporting a cause that means so much to my family.”

Now in his mid-50s, Michael is training five days a week, supported by regular physiotherapy and chiropractic care to stay on track. His goal is to complete the marathon in under four hours, a personal milestone that reflects both his past as a runner and his determination to rebuild his fitness.

“I’m feeling positive and really enjoying the challenge,” he says. “But more than anything, this is about Megan and supporting other children like her. If I can help Wooden Spoon create more projects like the one at Park Community Academy, then every mile will be worth it.”

Through his fundraising, Michael hopes to ensure more children with additional needs have access to the kind of facilities and opportunities that have already made such a difference in Blackpool.

To support Michael’s fundraising efforts, please visit his JustGiving page. https://www.justgiving.com/page/michael-dugdale-8