Running up the miles for children’s cancer charity
29 May 2026
Louie (right) and partner Max in training.
Regardless of the distance he has set out to cover Temporary Inspector Louie Maddox always hits a mental block about a third of the way through any run he tackles.
So, he is fully aware that when he competes in the Berlin Marathon at the end of September this year, he is going to struggle when he is nearing the eight to nine-mile marker.
Louie, who is a response inspector at Bournville Police Station, explains: “There’s a real mental battle that goes on with me, no matter the distance, and during the middle third of the race, I want to give up, I talk myself down, I battle gremlins.
“But I am raising funds for the Kids Cancer Charity which does some fantastic work. It’s a smaller charity so every penny counts, and the work they do for children with cancer and their families is honourable; it’s about making lives easier when they’re ultimately at their most difficult.
Target
“I have set myself a target of raising £2,250 and would really like to surpass that so I hope colleagues will support my efforts.”
Louie joined the Force in April 2021 having previously served with the Metropolitan Police and then spending two and a half years working in the private section, before deciding to get back into policing.
Although a keen and regular runner, he only completed his first marathon – in Manchester – in April this year.
Louie explains: “I do run a lot - marathons were always the unknown but, after Manchester, I think they’re a great event. The community feel is amazing.”
So much so that he quickly signed up for the Berlin event: “I love running, and I love travelling, so this was a great way to combine both, while raising money for a great cause.
Benchmark
“Training has been tough, but enjoyable - I've been running park runs dressed as a banana which has been very hot, and the Manchester Marathon was a great test, allowing me to set a personal benchmark, and a time to beat in Berlin – 3 hours 33 minutes.
“There have been gruelling runs - running routes with over 300m of elevation, very hot mornings dressed as a banana, endless blisters and knee, back and foot pain.”
On the day in Berlin, he will be spurred on by his partner, Max, who is also taking part, and by the knowledge that he is raising funds for charity.
“The thought that my fundraising efforts will be helping families in real need, and seeing my loved ones at the finish line will keep me going – plus the fact that I will be able to eat whatever I want afterwards, and have a truly German beer,” Louie says.
“I have been to Berlin before, but it was a birthday trip a few years ago - very peaceful and full of German markets at Christmas, so this will be a totally different vibe.”
