11:00 am, March 15 2026
Backyard Comedy Club, Bethnal Green
Speaker: Laura Coleman-Day
Poet: Kay Scorah
Guest speaker: Laura Coleman-Day
Laura Coleman-Day told us her extraordinary story of resolve, generosity and love.
After losing her husband Xander to leukaemia, Laura set herself a remarkable challenge: running 12 marathons in 12 months to raise funds and awareness for Anthony Nolan. She finished on what would have been her and Xander’s 6th wedding anniversary, running the final miles of the London Marathon in her wedding dress. She raised over £30k.
Laura says: ‘In 2026, I plan to take on 7 marathons for our 7th Anniversary, finishing with London 2026 where this time, I will run the whole marathon in my wedding dress.’
While this assembly marks International Women’s Day (8th March), Laura brought us a story for all time – of strength, purpose, and turning grieving into giving.
Guest poet: Kay Scorah
Sunday Assembly London’s own Kay Scorah was back on stage, helping us to find strength and inspiration through her verse.
Read Kay’s poems from the assembly
Our singalongs
As usual, there were four pop songs performed by our Sunday Assembly London band and reflecting today’s themes.
- Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) – Kate Bush
- Keep On Movin’ – 5ive
- Girl On Fire – Alicia Keys
- Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves – Eurythmics and Aretha Franklin
The lyrics were projected on screen and everyone was welcome to sing (and dance) along.
This will be our last assembly before we take a month’s break around the Bank Holiday weekend (returning on 19th April), but there will be a Spring Socials calendar to fill the gap. Find out what we’ve got planned here.
About Sunday Assembly London
Sunday Assembly London is your regular and reliable stop for a welcoming, accessible and inspiring Sunday community, where you can hear talks and poetry, sing songs and make new friends.
Stay after for tea, biscuits, and chat in the Backyard Comedy Club. Then join us for a local meal, picnic, or a drink and card games at the pub.
→ Our next assembly: Mind the Gap: Why Intergenerational Connection Matters now more than Ever, 19th April (We’re skipping 5th April for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend)
← Our previous assembly: You Matter… Really!, 1st March