Stephan and Chloe’s marathon challenge – 26 times over!

Chloe, who was born with cerebral palsy and is registered visually impaired, takes part with the help of her dad who pushes her racing wheelchair

Father and daughter duo Stephan (57) and Chloe Couture (15), otherwise known as ‘Team Ladybugs’, have been building up the miles since 10 July as they set out to complete 26 marathons for 26 charities, including the British Tinnitus Association (BTA), a charity that is close to Stephan’s heart. Tinnitus is a debilitating condition that affects 63,000 adults in Warwickshire alone, and one in eight nationwide.

Stephan and Chloe, from Hurley near Atherstone in Warwickshire, have been up and down the UK this summer completing 5ks, 10ks, triathlons and virtual marathons, to raise awareness and funds for several different charities. Chloe, who was born with cerebral palsy and is registered visually impaired, takes part with the help of her dad Stephan, who pushes her racing wheelchair on the runs.

The father and daughter pair set out to run 26 marathons, a total of 681.2 miles, for 26 charities over the course of the summer and are on track to end on a high with the Virgin Money Virtual London Marathon event on 3 October, having completed 608.9 miles so far.

Stephan shared, “We are pushing the limits, but we are ok and are holding up well. Chloe just keeps asking for more so we do, and our motto is ‘Life’s to short not too’.”

The British Tinnitus Association’s vision is “A world where no one suffers from tinnitus” which Stephan fully supports. As well as raising vital funds for tinnitus research and support, Stephan will also be raising funds for a number of other charities that have supported his family and friends.

The BTA’s Fundraising Officer Jess Pollard commented “We’re delighted that Stephan and Chloe chose our charity as one of the 26 to represent throughout their gruelling challenge. It’s incredible to see the enthusiasm and dedication that they both put into their running. We’ll all be cheering them on for the big day!”

Please help Stephan and Chloe raise as much as possible for the BTA by donating at www.tinnitus.org.uk/donate or call 0114 250 9933 to make a donation over the phone. Want to take on your own challenge? Email British Tinnitus Association is an independent charity and the primary source of information for people with tinnitus. It helps to facilitate an improved quality of life for people with tinnitus through a range of support options including support groups, a helpline and its website, while also taking steps to bring forward the day when tinnitus is cured. The charity works to inform and educate medical professionals and the community on what tinnitus is and how to manage it. The British Tinnitus Association wants “a world where no one suffers from tinnitus”. It wants to find better ways to manage tinnitus and, ultimately, to help find a cure. In 2020, the publication of its Tinnitus Manifesto led to more than 120,000 people signing a petition for more funding for tinnitus research to find cures.