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Running for Recovery: CDAS Colleagues Take On The London Marathon To Support WithYou

Published: 24 February 2026

Jenny Douglas and Mandy Jones stand outside the CDAS building wearing blue "WithYou every step of the way" t-shirts. A CDAS staff entrance sign is visible on the brick wall behind them.

This April, two of our fantastic CDAS Recovery Workers are taking on the London Marathon to raise funds and awareness for WithYou, the drug, alcohol, and mental health support charity which delivers CDAS in partnership with BAC O'Connor.

Jenny Douglas and Mandy Jones will take on 26.2 miles to raise money and awareness for the service supporting people in the city.

For Jenny, who served in the army for 24 years and the police force before becoming a recovery worker, the marathon is a personal milestone as well as a fundraising challenge. She said:

"Running the London Marathon has always been on my bucket list, so I jumped at the opportunity to take part. Doing it in support of WithYou makes it even better."

For both runners, this is about much more than completing the race. They want to raise awareness of the support available in Stoke-on-Trent and challenge stigma around people facing challenges with drugs or alcohol.

"I've always worked in roles where people are facing difficult situations," Jenny said.

"What I've learned through this role is how powerful it is to be seen and listened to without judgement. Everyone deserves the chance to move forward, and they shouldn't have to do it alone."

Mandy, who previously worked in the NHS before becoming an outreach worker, said:

"I do push myself, knowing that it is for charity. It does make you get up at four in the morning to get ready for a run."

Right now, Jenny and Mandy are still working hard to reach their fundraising target.

Funds raised through the marathon will support WithYou’s national services, helping the charity continue to offer free, confidential support to people and families affected by drugs, alcohol, and mental health challenges.

If you would like to support them, you can donate using the links below:

If you are not in a position to donate, please do spread the word. Every little helps in making a difference, and together we can help them make it across the finish line.