On Saturday 10th October 2026, LCpl Henry Griffey of 39 Signal Regiment will line up at the start of the Lisbon Marathon, running 26.2 miles to raise money for the Royal Signals Charity.
Henry's reasons for taking on the challenge are personal. Over the last few years, he has known a number of colleagues and friends who have been diagnosed with cancer. Some of them sadly lost their battles, and their passing has left a lasting impact on everyone who knew them. Last April, one of his colleagues secured a place in the London Marathon, running to raise money for the Royal Signals Charity and to honour the memory of a fallen friend. That example stayed with Henry and helped inspire his own run.
There is a hopeful side to the story too. Another of Henry's colleagues has fought their own battle with cancer and is now, in Henry's words, unbelievably cancer-free. For Henry, their journey is a reminder that even in the darkest times there can be hope and light at the end of the tunnel.
The Royal Signals Charity supports serving and former members of the Royal Signals family, both Regular and Reserve, as well as their families. Henry has seen first-hand the difference that support can make to people going through incredibly difficult times. He has never needed it himself, but he takes great comfort in knowing that the charity and the wider Royal Signals family are there for him, his colleagues and their loved ones should the need ever arise.
As Henry puts it, supporting the charity is about more than simply raising money. It is about remembering those we have lost, supporting those who are still fighting, and making sure that no member of the Royal Signals family has to face difficult times alone.
Thank you, Henry, for giving your time, energy and training miles to such an important cause, and good luck on the streets of Lisbon.
If you would like to help Henry reach his target, please donate on his fundraising page at https://gofund.me/33da3045f. Every contribution, large or small, makes a real difference to the people the charity supports and will help Henry along those 26.2 miles.
Perhaps Henry's story has inspired you to take on a challenge of your own. If you would like to run for the Royal Signals Charity, take a look at our page on RunForCharity, which offers a range of running opportunities: https://runforcharity.com/charity/royal-signals-charity
