This September, David Lyall is taking on the 13.1-mile challenge alongside his three sons – Adam, Sam, and Matthew – as a family unit for #TeamActionFoundation. A close friend of Action Foundation's founder, Julian Prior, David's connection to our charity goes back to the very beginning. He has been involved since its early days and now serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees.
"We have known about Action Foundation since it was formed and have always had close ties with the work and people impacted, some of whom have become friends of the family. Knowing people seeking asylum personally makes a massive difference."
The Lyalls also stressed their admiration for Action Foundation's focus on empowerment and independence, as well as the way it promotes inclusion, language learning, and safe housing – all of which make a real, lasting impact on integrating local communities.
David Lyall, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Action Foundation
None of the four have ever attempted a half marathon before. It was David who first decided he was going to take on the challenge and "somehow convinced the rest of the family to join him."
Three of them took on their first competitive race earlier this year, tackling the Great North 10k in July, which they called 'a good tester.'
Their training has been as varied as their postcodes. Spread out across the UK, they've kept to their own routines. David was sidelined by a strain earlier in the year but is now back on track, running 2–3 times per week. Sam sticks to a steady rhythm of three runs a week, Matthew is focused on perfecting his 15k and runs once or twice, and Adam joked: "I run a couple of times a week, usually when reminded by Sam or Dad!"
When it comes to their race-day playlists, David enjoys classical music and podcasts about the fast-evolving world of AI. Sam is mostly listening to sci-fi audiobooks or the most recent Joyner Lucas album. Adam is currently on a deep dive with a 60+ hour Robert Moses biography as well as sports podcasts, while Matthew is making his way through The Lord of the Rings audiobooks.
But beyond their training schedules and playlists, their motivation is clear:
"We all feel blessed, lucky to be in good health, free from trauma and living in a safe and beautiful country. Asylum seekers are often fleeing incredibly disadvantaged circumstances and arrive with little more than hope for safety. By offering support, we want to contribute to upholding basic human rights and helping people rebuild their lives with dignity and security — with the hope that they can flourish in the UK and make a lasting, positive contribution to our society."
David (front left) with sons Sam (left), Adam (centre left), and Matthew (centre right)
As race day draws near, each family member has their own vision of the finish line.
David is looking forward to the atmosphere and buzzing crowds. Sam is excited for the sense of achievement and the relief of knowing 'I'll never have to run that far again (until next time).' Adam is dreaming of several cold pints on the beach, while Matthew jokes about setting the family's fastest time and 'maybe visiting the others in the hospital' afterward.
They've heard all the stories about the Great North Run, from the incredible support from start to finish, to the sweets and drinks handed out along the way, and even the odd beer.
"We can't wait to be part of it", they say, 'and we know we'll have plenty of stories to tell afterwards.'
You can help refugees across the North East by donating to the Lyall boys – David, Sam, Adam, and Matthew. Who will be first? Who will be last? And who will carry Dad over the finish line?
You can donate to their fundraising page below: Action Foundation: The Lyall Boys
