Lihani stood at the starting line of the 2026 Cambridge Half Marathon, the cool March air steadying her thoughts as she prepared for the miles ahead.

Born in South Africa and now a proud Canadian, Lihani’s life has been defined by a unique blend of academic brilliance and a deep spiritual calling. Currently in the final year of her doctoral degree in Engineering, she masterfully balances the rigors of high-level research with a life devoted to people. At KingsGate Church’s Cambridge campus, she serves as a Life Group leader – someone who doesn’t just speak about transformation but lives it out daily. She believes in walking alongside others through the grit of real life, helping them heal, grow, and discover hope.

It was this very belief that brought her back to the Cambridge Half for the second year in a row – not just to run, but to run with intention.

Lihani chose to raise funds for the Concrete Rose Collective, an organisation dedicated to restoring dignity and hope in overlooked and underserved communities. Their mission resonated deeply with her. she has seen firsthand how strength and beauty can rise even from life’s hardest places.

The months leading up to race day were a testament to her discipline. Lihani trained faithfully, carving out early mornings for long runs between the demands of her doctorate. But she never truly ran alone. As her church family, we stood firmly behind her.

Through our mission fund, we supported her not just financially, but through a shared vision. We saw her heart, her passion, and her unwavering commitment to seeing lives changed.  We wanted to be a part of that story. The response was overwhelming: though her goal was £500, the community rallied to raise £643.75. Every pound represented a collective belief that small acts of generosity, when joined together, create a lasting impact.

On the course, when fatigue inevitably set in, we know Lihani pressed on – not just for herself, but for the mission she carried and the people standing with her. Transformation requires perseverance, and perseverance is never built in isolation. When she finally crossed the finish line on Midsummer Common, she had completed far more than 13.1 miles. She had carried a mission across the city. And together, as a community, we ran every step with her.