How this graduate took on the London Marathon to inspire students

Published on 16, May, 2025

A University of Sunderland graduate who suffered from a rare neurological disorder just a year ago has completed the London Marathon.

In January 2024, University alumnus Mark Learmouth became seriously ill with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. 

Now over a year later, Mark, an Advanced Pharmacist Practitioner at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, has taken on the world-famous 26.2-mile marathon to raise money for the University’s Futures Fund.

Mark, who is based at Sunderland Royal Hospital, said: “I’ve ran the Great North Run before, but that was over 10 years ago now. This was a whole new challenge, and it was great to answer the question that I’m as fit as I was before I was ill.

“The atmosphere was amazing and one of the best parts of the whole experience. The streets were packed and so many people had come out to support us.”

Mark joined over 60,000 other runners and completed the marathon in four hours and 43 minutes, raising over £3,300 for the Futures Fund.

Mark added: “Running this marathon was not just about me, it’s about the University as well. Not only have I been able to reach a personal goal and prove to myself that I’ve recovered, but I’m able to do some good to help students with the money I’ve managed to raise.”

But Mark hasn’t been the only one who has been running to raise money for the Futures Fund. Staff, students and alumni from the University took part in the annual Sunderland 10k City Run on 11 May.

All money is raised for the University’s Futures Fund which empowers students, staff and alumni to unlock opportunities, boost their employability and support excellence through a range of scholarships.

Georgie Cox, Head of Alumni and Development at the University, said: “Congratulations to both Mark and our city runners - their support is vital to the Futures Fund’s mission.

“This year alone, we’ve raised nearly £50,000 over multiple fundraising drives, all of which goes directly to supporting our students with essential living costs, internships, international placements, and even launching their own businesses.

“Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we’re able to ensure that talent and determination—not financial circumstances—shape our students’ futures. Every pound raised truly makes a difference.”

You can still donate towards the Futures Fund to help give students the chance to unlock their career aspirations here.

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