Why 74-year-old Mohamed is swapping his London taxi for trainers at Sunday’s marathon
Black cab driver Mohamed will be pounding the streets on Sunday in the London Marathon for Independent Age.
As tens of thousands of eager runners take to the streets of the capital on Sunday 23 April for the London Marathon, the Independent Age cheer squad will be ready and waiting with banners and balloons to back our team of 10 fundraisers taking on the 26.2 miles.
For one brave participant, running became something of a challenge as he approached his 70th birthday. Nearly five years later and Mohamed is looking forward to taking on the London Marathon in aid of Independent Age.
“This might sound strange, but I don’t find the training difficult,” explains the black cab driver. “I am motivated and excited about the challenge ahead.”
“Since 2018, I’ve run four or five half-marathons, and I did a 10k run in 56 minutes when I was 70,” he says.
“If you ask any runner about that time, they will tell you that that’s a feat!”
Mohamed’s impressive timings are the result of a life-long love of physical activity, but running only became a real hobby after someone suggested taking on a marathon for his 70th: “I wanted to mark it with a special occasion,” he explains.
For some, cake and a party is the way to celebrate a milestone birthday, but Mohamed spent eight months training for the big day and managed to raise thousands of pounds for the Royal Voluntary Service.
“It was fantastic,” he says.
On Sunday, the running enthusiast will be wearing an Independent Age vest as he takes on the challenge: “It was an easy decision choosing Independent Age as my charity for the London Marathon as they do brilliant work supporting older people like me.”
Born in Egypt, Mohamed visited England in the 70s and decided to stay, loving the acceptance of those around him and even embracing our country’s less enjoyable qualities: “I loved the cold weather!”
Now living with his wife Pauline, the pair call a private retirement community for over-65s in London their home.
Although the 74-year-old was hesitant to leave their house for the community at first, their new environment became “very comfortable” and has allowed the couple to build relationships with those around them: “It’s a real, living community.”
“This time round, I decided to run for Independent Age because the charity has helped my neighbours,” he explains.
“I’m proud to do something for vulnerable people, it’s a privilege to be able to help others less fortunate than we are.”
Alongside his training, Mohamed has been sharing his story with the media.
Speaking to London Live, he explained that Independent Age’s work supporting older people means a lot to him: “The mark of a civilised society is one that takes care of the needy and vulnerable and unfortunate and you can’t have a better cause than that.”
Mohamed is an incredible advocate for later life and we’re grateful for his work supporting the charity and sharing our mission to help older people.
Independent Age colleagues will be ready to cheer Mohamed and all of our other runners on as their months of preparation and donations come to a head.
The dedication of our fundraisers is immensely vital to our work as a charity as it enables us to make a difference to the lives of over-65s, along with their friends, families and carers as they struggle with financial hardship.
If you’re feeling inspired, you can find more information about our various events here. Whether you’re a walker, baker or even up for becoming a skydiver, there’s something for everyone.
We’re wishing all the luck to our incredible Team Independent Age runners!
