Our Senior Account Manager, Joe Tansey, is taking on the Lisbon Marathon this October for a cause that is very close to his heart. He’ll be running in memory of his late father-in-law, raising funds for a Portuguese charity supporting people and families affected by traumatic brain injuries.
The countdown to Lisbon is well underway, with Joe recently completing a 20 mile race at the Bedford Running Festival. It was his longest run ahead of the marathon and an important milestone in his preparations for the 42km challenge.
But for Joe, this isn’t simply about running a marathon. He is taking on the challenge in memory of his father-in-law, who sadly passed away in 2023 following a severe traumatic brain injury. After being struck by a dangerous driver while cycling, he spent nine months in hospital before losing his battle with his injuries.
During that incredibly difficult time and in the years since, running became an important way for Joe to process what had happened and cope with his grief.
“Running helped me process things. It helped me grieve and gave me some relief.”
It feels like a fitting tribute too. His father-in-law was passionate about health and fitness, making Joe’s decision to take on one of Europe’s most scenic marathons even more meaningful.
Running to support Novamente
Alongside his personal challenge, Joe is aiming to raise £2,000 for Associação Novamente, a Portuguese charity supporting people living with a traumatic brain injury and other acquired brain injuries, as well as their families and primary caregivers.
Novamente provides vital support to people facing the life changing consequences of brain injuries, helping individuals and families navigate what can be an incredibly difficult new reality. In 2025, its Psychosocial Support Office assisted 293 families, including 95 new cases, directly impacting more than 870 people.
For Joe, supporting the charity is particularly close to home.
“Support for people with an acquired brain injury in Portugal remains scarce, which makes this fundraising effort so important to me.”
Next stop, Lisbon
The EDP Lisbon Marathon will take Joe from Carcavelos along the Atlantic coast and the Tagus River before finishing at Praça do Comércio in the heart of the city.
After months of training, the finish line is getting closer, but the real goal goes beyond completing 42km. Joe hopes his challenge will help raise awareness and generate much needed support for the people and families Novamente works with.
We’re incredibly proud to support Joe as he takes on this challenge and turns his passion for running into something that can make a difference.
Good luck, Joe!