The stories of bravery and love inspiring Welsh runners at the London Marathon

Kate Sibbald

Kate, from Cardiff, is running to raise money for Welsh Women’s Aid, a charity working to end domestic abuse and all forms of violence against women.

On her fund-raising page Kate said: “I turned 26 this year, so I’ve decided to take on all 26.2 miles of the London Marathon – let’s hope it’s my lucky number!

“I’ve wanted to do this ever since watching my parents run the marathon when I was small and now feels like the right time – especially for a cause like Welsh Women’s Aid.

“This cause means so much to me and I’m sure so many people can relate, because the reality of being a woman means, unfortunately, seeing and hearing and experiencing difficult stories.

“The work Welsh Women’s Aid does – supporting survivors and campaigning to end domestic abuse and violence – really matters. I’m running because I believe in supporting their cause, even in a small way.”

Kate has already raised over £3,250 so far for the charity.

Sara Kirkpatrick, Welsh Women’s Aid Chief Executive, said: “Kate has worked tirelessly over the past year to train for the incredible challenge that is the London Marathon, raising much-needed funds and awareness for Welsh Women’s Aid in the process.

“I have great respect for anyone who puts in the time and effort to support our vital work to prevent and ultimately end violence against women in Wales. It’s clear that we have a way to go before we achieve this, but Kate has certainly gone the extra mile in her efforts to create change.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to Kate for her support and sisterhood, and to her employer, Admiral, for their generosity in match funding Kate’s fundraising to the value of a further £3,000.”

To support Kate’s run you can donate here. You can apply to run next year’s London Marathon for Welsh Women’s Aid here.

Jordan and Sheldon Donovan

Brothers Jordan and Sheldon from Cardiff, are running for blood cancer charity DKMS, which helped Sheldon find a stem cell donor for life saving treatment, after he was diagnosed with stage 4B Hodgkin’s lymphoma at 25.

“We worked really closely with DKMS. We actually organised their first-ever virtual stem cell donor drive, which got hundreds of people registered. I was really lucky to find a match and have my transplant, and it totally gave me my life back,” said Sheldon.

“The work we did with DKMS has gone on to help other people and will continue to do so in the future. It’s great to have that legacy.”

Since his lifesaving transplant, Sheldon prioritised his health and has lost 18 stone.

“Jordan messaged me asking if he could run the London Marathon in memory of me,” he said.

“I said, ‘I’m not dead yet!’ But of course, I said yes – and then it all snowballed from there. I’ll be doing a run-walk, but I’ll get it done. That’s what matters.”

Inspired by his brother, Jordan has spent years fundraising for the charity, taking part in skydives, half marathons and triathlons.

“I’ve never run more than a half-marathon, so this is uncharted territory,” said Jordan.

“Sheldon’s gone through absolute hell and come out the other side an even stronger person.

“He’s a massive inspiration – not just to me, but to everyone around him. Our mum is so proud, she actually can’t talk about it without tearing up.”

DKMS spokesperson, Bronagh Hughes, said: “Sheldon and Jordan are doing something truly incredible. Sheldon’s story shows the difference that stem cell donors can make. Thanks to a complete stranger, he’s living life to the full.

“By taking on the London Marathon, Sheldon and Jordan are helping to ensure more patients get that same chance. If you want to support our work, or sign up to the donor register, check out the DKMS website.”

To support the brothers, you can donate here. You can learn more about becoming a stem cell donor and sign up here.

James Meacham

James, from Pontllanfraith, is taking part in the marathon to raise money for Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, who have supported him and his family since 2018 when his son, Thomas, was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition.

“Thomas was fit and well until the age of 9, until he started showing signs which were out of character for him,” said James.

“He was diagnosed in January 2018 with a very rare, genetic brain condition called adrenoleukodystrophy. It’s so rare, hardly anyone has heard of it, so I describe it as watching a child have motor neurone disease and Alzheimer’s.

“Tŷ Hafan supported us throughout Thomas’ illness until he died in June 2019. I don’t know how we’d have coped without them. They support us even now with counselling and outreach services.”

James added: “I’ve always fancied doing the London Marathon, but I’ve been inspired by my fellow dad, Chris Thomas, who did it last year and loved it.

“Apart from completing the marathon and raising essential funds, I’m hoping to spread the word about Tŷ Hafan by telling as many people on the day as I can about this amazing place!”

James has raised nearly £5,000 for the charity so far.

James Davies-Hale, Head of Fundraising for Tŷ Hafan, said: “We’re immensely grateful to James for everything he has done and continues to do to support Tŷ Hafan.

“No family should have to live their child’s short life alone, and thanks to James and his fellow Tŷ Hafan TCS London Marathon 2026 runners, Tŷ Hafan can walk alongside more families like James’, through their child’s life, death and beyond.”

To support James’ run, you can donate here.

James Morgan

James, from Pontypool, is aiming to support Tŷ Hafan and has already raised over £500 for the hospice.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity to use such a massive event to support a local charity. Being local to Tŷ Hafan, I’ve seen and heard about the incredible work they do for families, which made the decision feel very personal,” said James.

“The London Marathon is on every runner’s bucket list, being the biggest and most popular road marathon in the world. It’s always been on in our house each year, but no one had ever been lucky enough to take part—until now.

James has previously completed several half marathons and two ultra marathons, but this is his first road marathon, which he aims to finish in under three hours and 30 minutes.

“I’m really looking forward to the experience and feel incredibly motivated by the support from my friends, family, and Tŷ Hafan.

“Beyond finishing the race, I want to help raise awareness and support, so the charity can continue providing vital care for children and families across South Wales. I’m really grateful for the support I’ve already received from family, friends, and Tŷ Hafan.”

To support James, donate here.

Victoria Scarrott

Victoria, from Clarach, Aberystwyth, is supporting Tŷ Hafan this Sunday and is aiming to raise £2,500 for the hospice.

“My goddaughter – Nel was born in 2023 and my friend’s family receives support from Tŷ Hafan. When you hear about the amazing work a charity does it’s one thing, but when you see the direct impact it has on one of your closest friends and her family that is something else! The support they have given the family is good,” she said.

“I’m doing the London Marathon because, well – it’s the London Marathon, isn’t it! I mean, it’s pretty special! Every year, I watch it on the tele and just stand in front of the screen crying at all the incredible runners doing something for so many great causes.”

Victoria has taken part in the Cardiff Half and Swansea Half marathons previously but says she has never done anything like this before.

Victoria said: “I just keep mentioning the name Tŷ Hafan so people hear about the charity, and I want to make Cerys, Andrew, Maisie and Nel proud!

“When runs have got really hard, and I’ve had a lot of self-doubt, I think about Cerys, and Nel and realise that days and life isn’t always rosy! But Nel keeps smiling and Cerys keeps pushing to get Nel everything she deserves and needs – and that pushes me to keep going.

“As a family they have the most unbelievable strength, so I’m hoping to tap into some of that – and cross the finish line with a smile – for them and everyone who has sponsored me! I’m so grateful for everyone’s support!”

You can donate to Victoria’s fund raising page here.

Jason Morris

Jason, from Ammanford, is raising money for Tŷ Hafan, who have provided support to him over the past 12 years, after his son, Alfi, who was born with Neonatal Marfan syndrome died before he turned two.

“This is a deeply personal journey for me. As a bereaved father, taking on this challenge is an opportunity to honour my son, Alfi-Jay, while also showing my daughter Besi-Jane, Alfi’s twin sister who is now 12, that anything is possible when you put your mind to it,” said Jason.

“It’s also an opportunity to raise much-needed funds for a wonderful charity that has helped shape our family’s life over the years.

“For me, it represents a personal achievement. Running in the purple Tŷ Hafan T-shirt will make the experience even more meaningful as I support such a wonderful cause. The London Marathon is such an iconic race with breathtaking views and famous landmarks. It’s been a lifetime ambition and something I’m proud to finally tick off my bucket list.”

Jason has already raised £3,725 to support the hospice.

He said: “Just over four years ago, I decided to channel what had been overwhelming grief into something positive. I’ve since become a keen triathlete, using exercise to support my mental wellbeing. Physical activity has helped me navigate the challenges of grief, giving me a healthy outlet and the chance to push my body and mind to their limits.

“I want to prove to myself that I can keep pushing my limits. Completing the marathon is just one part of my bucket list, and I hope to keep ticking off many more goals in the future.”

To support Jason’s race, donate here.

Jonathan Crimmins

Johnathan, from Milford Haven, is running for Tŷ Hafan, in memory of his son Kieran.

He said: “Sadly seven years ago I lost my son, Kieran, at the age of 21 years of age following a battle with his mental health. So, I know all too well the importance of being able to spend time with your children as time is precious and not always guaranteed.

“By being able to run for Tŷ Hafan I know that not only will I be raising awareness of Tŷ Hafan and what they do but also raising valuable funds which will ensure that families will be supported and enable them to spend quality time together for their children’s short lives.”

This will be Jonathan’s fifth full marathon and his third time running the London Marathon and hopes to bring more attention to the work and efforts of the children’s hospice.

“I’ve also completed numerous half marathons, two skydives and various other activities to raise vital funds for, and awareness of, various charities,” Jonathan said.

“This will be a significant challenge for myself as I have been diagnosed with severe PTSD following the passing of my son as it was myself and my daughter who found him and this has provided me with significant challenges on a daily basis. So, I will also be running in Kieran’s memory.”

Jonathan has already raised £2,900 and if you want to support him, you can donate here.

Matthew George

Matthew, from Bristol, grew up near Swansea with two brothers who both had life-limiting disabilities and illnesses and is raising money for Tŷ Hafan.

“My brothers, Steven and Edward, required significant care from my parents, Pam and Rob. Back in the 70s and 80s, there wasn’t much in the way of respite care, or palliative care for disabled kids,” he said.

Pam fundraised for charities which supported children with disabilities and their families alongside other mothers of disabled children and campaigned for a respite care centre in Swansea.

“It was the only one of its kind in the city, giving families occasional respite, and a taste of what other people consider to be normal life,” said Matthew.

“Although my brothers and parents have passed away, and the centre closed some years ago, I remember the difference it made to our lives. Tŷ Hafan continues to make that difference to children and their families and can offer support through the toughest times. It’s such a valuable thing.

“For London I intend to take it easier than my previous attempts, taking in the atmosphere and ensuring I don’t run out of steam before the end. If I can do that, I’ll be satisfied.”

You can donate to Matthew’s JustGiving page here.

Mark Juhlke

Mark, from Porth, is running the London Marathon in memory of his friend’s son, Thomas, raising funds for Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice.

“They supported James and family during the 18 months of his illness and continue to do so now, six years later. The care, attention and security they give to families like his is invaluable when faced with the unbelievably difficult situation of a terminally ill child,” he said.

“My wife Emma ran the London Marathon in 2022, and it was an amazing experience going up to support her, so I wanted to give it a go. I ran the Berlin Marathon in 2019 and did a virtual marathon in 2020 but nothing since! Just completing such an iconic event with James will be awesome.”

You can donate to Mark’s JustGiving page here.

Mathew Mariani

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Mathew, from Hendy, Carmarthenshire, is running for the British Heart Foundation, after his daughter Esme was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect known as an Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD), during covid.

When Esme was six months old, she had successful heart surgery at Bristol Children’s Hospital carried out by British Heart Foundation-funded Professor Massimo Caputo.

Since Esme’s surgery Mathew and his partner, Emily, have raised more than £15,000 for the charity.

“None of these challenges will ever be as tough as what Esme, and so many children living with congenital heart disease, have already faced,” said Mathew.

“Running gives, me a way to raise awareness as well as funds to help children like Esme. If people see me running the London Marathon for the British Heart Foundation and it makes them stop, think, or start a conversation, then that in itself is incredibly important to me.”

You can donate to Mathew’s fundraising page here.

Mehata Molango

Mehata, Wrexham’s former striker and current chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), is taking part in the marathon in support of Leukaemia Care, in memory of his father, Moly, who died after a five-year battle with blood cancer.

Moly was first diagnosed with multiple myeloma, which eventually developed into leukaemia, and he required a donor stem cell transplant.

Maheta said: “My father’s journey with blood cancer changed everything for our family. When he needed a donor, I was able to step in.

“The process today is safe and straightforward. I want more people to understand that, because there is a real shortage of donors – especially for people with African heritage.”

Despite the transplant and further treatment, Moly’s condition worsened and he passed away in May 2025.

“This will be my first marathon, and I wanted it to be for something meaningful. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, what matters is continuing to move forward,” Maheta said.

“I’m running for my father, but also to help others going through the same journey. During my father’s illness, we were fortunate to be able to support him as a family, but not everyone has that. That’s where charities like Leukaemia Care make such a difference.”

Maheta’s goal is to raise £10,000 for the charity and has already raised over £6,600.

Colin Dyer, chief executive of Leukaemia Care, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Maheta for taking on the London Marathon in memory of his father. His story highlights not only the impact of blood cancer but also the urgent need for more stem cell donors.

“We wish him well on the day, and will be cheering him along from the sides”

To support Maheta’s marathon challenge, you can donate here. You can join the stem cell register here.

Aaron Ramsey

Aaron, former Arsenal football player and Wales captain, will be running for It’s Never You charity, with the aim of raising £2,000.

The charity was set up by his friends Ceri and Fran, after losing their 5-year son, Hugh, to cancer. For months the family had been unable to work due to spending so much time at the hospital and attending appointments.

Now their charity aims to support families in similar situations both financially and emotionally. They are also campaigning to change the laws around family’s employment rights.

Aaron said: “Training has gone well and has followed a plan. It’s been nice to focus on something after retiring from football.

“I’m a bit nervous as I’ve never ran this distance before and it’s a completely different fitness and challenge to playing football. I used to run a lot as a kid so I’m hoping my body remembers!

“I’m looking forward to my children supporting me on the day and hopefully making them proud. Everybody hears how great the atmosphere and crowd are, so I’m excited to experience that!”

Ceri Morys Menai-Davis, Co-Founder of It’s Never You Charity, said: “We are extremely grateful that Aaron has chosen to run for It’s Never You at the London Marathon. Aaron has been a close personal friend for over 12 years. He has raised over £25,000 for It’s Never You over the last three years, and he has been a great ambassador for us.

“We shared the trials and tribulations of being new dads together. When Hugh was diagnosed, Aaron and Colleen were extremely supportive, and sadly, when he passed away, even more so.

“We hope that him doing the London Marathon will raise awareness of the importance of supporting parents when their child is seriously ill.”

To support Aaron and It’s Never You, you can donate here.