Inclusive by Nature: Baring What Tells Your Story
While the heart of this campaign is rooted in raising awareness of CMN, we also recognise that visible differences do not look the same for everyone.
For many in our community, CMN may have:
- been partially or fully removed
- changed over time
- resulted in scars or skin grafts
- left areas of pigmentation that look different today
That is why, alongside our core CMN awareness message, we want everyone affected by CMN to feel seen and included.
In this campaign, “baring” goes beyond birthmarks.
It can also mean baring:
- a scar
- a skin graft
- a surgical site
- a visible difference that tells your story
Every mark is valid. Every story matters. Everybody is welcome.
As we say: Love the Skin You Are In.
However it looks, whatever it holds, whoever you are.
Meet the Team: Six Women, One Powerful Message
Our runners each carry their own experiences of living with CMN – its challenges, its impact, and its place in their life story. On race day, they will stand together, literally and symbolically, to increase understanding of a condition that is still unfamiliar to so many.
Their visibility will help others feel less alone.
Their courage will spark conversations.
Their stories will deepen awareness.
Jodi’s Story
Among the six runners is Jodi Whitehouse, the founder and CEO of Caring Matters Now. Jodi was born with extensive CMN covering her back and stomach, and throughout her childhood years, she had numerous surgeries, leaving significant scarring and large skin grafts alongside her birthmarks.
Jodi’s willingness to run publicly with her CMN, scars, and skin grafts visible embodies the very heart of this campaign.
Jodi shares how her story powerfully reinforces our message:
“Running isn’t just about raising awareness for me, this campaign is for every type of skin.
Confidence doesn’t come from unmarked skin – it comes from owning the skin you’re in.”
Join the Movement
As part of the London Landmarks HalfMarathon campaign, we’re also inviting others to get involved.
In the future, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in your own challenge, however big or small, and choose to “bare your visible difference” in support of CMN awareness.
You don’t need to run a half marathon to make a difference.
You simply need to stand in your story and let it be seen.
Why This Matters
CMN is rare, visible, and often life changing. Awareness is essential, yet public understanding is low. “Bare Your Birthmark” gives us a powerful, authentic, human way to change that.
By raising visibility, we raise understanding.
By raising understanding, we raise support.
By raising support, we change lives.
Thank You for Standing With Us
To our runners: your courage leads the way.
To our community: your stories inspire everything we do.
To everyone joining us: you’re helping build a world where every person living with CMN will feel seen, supported and empowered.
Together, we can help everyone affected by CMN feel confident to say: I love the skin I am in.
To support the team as part of our #BareYourBirthmark campaign, please visit our fundraising page if you are able.
