Jenny Douglas and Mandy Jones – Recovery Workers for Stoke’s Community Drug and Alcohol Service – are running 26.2 miles this April to raise funds and challenge stigma around drug and alcohol support.
This April, two frontline Recovery Workers from Stoke-on-Trent will take on one of the world’s most iconic endurance challenges – the TCS London Marathon – to raise funds and awareness for WithYou, the national drug, alcohol and mental health support charity.
Jenny Douglas and Mandy Jones both work for CDAS (Community Drug and Alcohol Service), delivered in Stoke-on-Trent by WithYou in partnership with BAC O’Connor. On race day, they will cover 26.2 miles, not just as a personal challenge but as a public statement about the importance of non-judgmental, accessible support for people and families affected by drug, alcohol and mental health challenges.
For Jenny, the London Marathon represents a personal milestone decades in the making. After serving in the British Army for 24 years and working in the police force, she brought that experience to a new calling – supporting people through drug and alcohol challenges.
“Running the London Marathon has always been on my bucket list, so I jumped at the opportunity to take part. Doing it in support of WithYou, for a cause that I feel so passionately about, makes it even better.”
Having spent her career in roles where people face the most difficult circumstances, Jenny has developed a powerful belief in the value of compassionate, judgement-free support.
“I’ve always worked in roles where people are facing difficult situations. What I’ve learned through this role is how powerful it is to be seen and listened to without judgement. Everyone deserves the chance to move forward, and they shouldn’t have to do it alone.”
Mandy came to recovery work following a career in the NHS, and she brings the same dedication to her training as she does to her outreach work. For Mandy, the marathon is made possible by one thing: knowing it matters.
“I do push myself, knowing that it is for charity. It does make you get up at four in the morning to get ready for a training run.”
Beyond completing 26.2 miles, Jenny and Mandy want to shine a light on the free, confidential support available to people across Stoke-on-Trent – and to challenge the stigma that so often prevents people from seeking help.
Funds raised through the marathon will support WithYou’s national services, supporting the charity to continue offering free, confidential support tp people and families affected by drugs, alcohol, and mental health challenges.
Donate to Jenny Douglas: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jenny-douglas
Donate to Mandy Jones: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/amanda-jones
