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Tom Luke is gearing up for an extraordinary challenge this April, combining endurance, determination and a deeply personal cause.

The Bristol-based athlete will be taking on the iconic London Marathon while raising funds for Children's Hospice South West (CHSW), a charity that provides vital care and support to babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families. Tom is aiming to raise over £4,000.

For Tom, CHSW is close to home. Through his employer, Bristol Bears, which already partners with the local hospice, Charlton Farm in North Somerset, and a close friend working there, choosing to support the charity felt like a natural decision.

“April is going to be a painful month,” Tom admits.

And with good reason.

Starting on Easter Sunday (5 April), Tom will embark on an 8 day endurance feat that pushes the limits of physical and mental resilience. His goal is to cover over 1 million metres (1,012.8 km) on Concept2 machines. Each day, he will complete the equivalent distance of three marathons, rotating between the SkiErg, rowing machine and a bike.

The challenge is relentless, with day after day of sustained effort, fatigue and recovery, all building towards something even bigger.

Training has already taken its toll. Tom says he has been feeling tired during marathon preparation, and on his last long training run of around 30km, he picked up a pain in his side which really tested him.

“I know this marathon is going to be no mean feat,” he said.

Just 2 weeks later, Tom will take on the full 42.2 km distance of the London Marathon, bringing his month-long test of endurance full circle.

His 8 day challenge will culminate on Sunday 12 April at SOMA Gym, located on Charlton Drive, the very road leading into the hospice that he is supporting.

We asked Tom how he will feel once he crosses the finish line at the marathon.

To be honest, if I can complete the first 8 days of my challenge, that will give me the strength to start the marathon healthy.

I want to enjoy the day and cross that finish with a smile on my face.

Hollie Thorogood, Events Fundraiser for CHSW, added: “We are blown away by the challenge Tom has set himself, and so grateful for every kilometre he is putting himself through to raise funds for CHSW."

We can’t wait to support him throughout this challenge, finishing at the iconic London Marathon, and everyone at CHSW will be behind him cheering his name.

If you’d like to support Tom and contribute to his challenge, you can donate by clicking 👉 here