AN audio producer from Harlow is set to run the London Marathon this Sunday, April 26 in support of Mind in West Essex.

Naomi Oiku, who went to Passmores Academy and studied her A-levels at St Mark’s, decided to use her place in her first marathon to support a local charity.

With running playing an important role in supporting her mental health, Naomi chose to support Mind in West Essex.

“I’ve struggled with my mental health at times and running has been like a form of therapy, to get out there and clear my head,” Naomi said.

“I’ve had counselling in the past, but I know a lot of people struggle with their mental health, and it’s about trying to encourage them to seek that help.

“Growing up in Harlow, and knowing what an important service they provide, I wanted it to go to Mind in West Essex.”

The 33-year-old, who now lives in Eastbourne but still has family in Harlow, works across radio, podcasts and events – with Emma Willis’ BBC Radio 2 show among her credits.

A keen runner, she is currently midway through conquering the SuperHalfs, a series of 6 half-marathons held in cities across Europe, which she was introduced to by friends at Harlow Running Club.

Naomi has already ticked off Lisbon, Valencia and most recently Berlin, in March. She will run in Copenhagen in September and hopes to do the Prague and Cardiff races next year.

“I feel like I’ve got the running ‘bug’ now… I joined the Harlow Running Club and that’s how I found out about the Super Halfs so a few of us do it together,” she said.

“It’s so good because you get to meet loads of new people as well, and I think the training’s been better when I’ve run with people as opposed to doing it on my own.”

She has stepped up her training since the Berlin event, recently running 22 miles in London and then another half-marathon.

You can support Naomi by donating on her fundraising page.

https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/naomi-oiku