From cardiac patient to inspiration: Charlotte Smith takes on the London Landmarks Half Marathon
On April 6th 2025, Charlotte Smith, a cardiac rehab exercise specialist from Queen’s Hospital Burton, will be joining over 16,000 runners in the London Landmarks Half Marathon, raising funds for Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity.
Originally from Derby but now based in Cannock, fitness enthusiast Charlotte has participated in numerous running events but has never had the opportunity to participate in London. Her ultimate ambition is to run the London Marathon, but despite applying every year, she has yet to secure a spot. This half marathon brings her one step closer to her dream.
With a 20-year background in cardiac rehabilitation, Charlotte has dedicated her career to helping patients recover from heart attacks, surgeries and heart failure through exercise and education programmes. However, her professional expertise became deeply personal in 2019 when, at just 36 years old, she had to have a pacemaker fitted. Despite this, Charlotte has kept a positive outlook, determined to take back control and since her recovery, has successfully completed several marathons and endurance races, demonstrating her resilience and strength.
When we asked how her training was going, Charlotte shared that she was in a road traffic accident back in June 2024 and has consequently suffered a niggle in her back after upping her miles. Charlotte’s positivity is infectious as she continues to tell us that she is not letting this setback stop her. She has adapted her approach by incorporating cycling and strength training to maintain her fitness. Charlotte’s commitment to the event remains unwavering, saying, “I will run on the day, but one way or another, I will get round.”
Charlotte’s family—her mother and two sisters will be there to cheer her on, making a weekend of the occasion by attending a West End show the night before. She told us she is most looking forward to the atmosphere and the support from the crowd, saying, “I’m excited! You can’t beat the feeling of crossing the finish line and looking at what you’ve achieved.”
Each year, Charlotte takes on a different challenge to raise funds for her department at Queen’s Hospital Burton. She explains “Some patients wish to give back for the care they have received through sponsorship” and her own experience serves as an inspiration to them.
We’d like to wish Charlotte the best of luck and thank her for her determination to complete the race. If you’d like to support Charlotte’s journey and donate to her cause, please visit her JustGiving page via https://bit.ly/charlotte-london.
If you’d like to take part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon, we will soon be releasing our charity spaces for 2026 – we’ll be sharing them first on our social media so make sure you’re following us to grab a slot!
We also have a huge list of other events you can get involved in for 2025 including, an inflatable obstacle course, skydive, abseil and firewalk – visit our events page here for more information and to book your place.
