Marathon couple have got some brass

27 March 2023

Sam Noden and Kelly Harrison, from Benfleet, have banded together to run the London marathon on the 23 April to raise funds for SSAFA, a cause very close to each of their hearts.

Kelly, a music teacher at Belfairs Academy, hails from a military family and has had help from SSAFA in the past. She and her children, were supported through numerous challenges faced by life in the Armed Forces, not least, having an autistic child and being unable to access adequate assistance due to regular moves.

Sam, an RAF musician, is also keen to support SSAFA, being a service person himself.

Sam says: “I went into the military because few jobs cover both my passions: fitness and music. But I know veterans who have struggled on leaving Service and SSAFA has helped them. And SSAFA helped Kelly when she needed support. I’m really pleased to raise funds for them.”

Kelly and Sam met when they were both playing in the Friary Brass Band last summer. Sam plays the Euphonium (a small tuba) and Kelly plays the Tenor Horn. They made beautiful music and have been together ever since, deciding that running a marathon would give them the perfect opportunity to spend more time with each other.

Kelly says: “I have been a runner for a while, but this is my first marathon. We are really enjoying training together and we go out to lovely places together for long runs. It is great fun, and we support and motivate each other too.”

Between them, Kelly and Sam aim to raise £5,000 for the charity.