We’re delighted to share some exciting news… nasen has its very first runner in the 2026 TCS London Marathon: Jake Gurney!

Jake is a primary school teacher, from Luton, with over ten years’ experience in education. Throughout his career, he has seen how children’s needs are constantly evolving and how crucial it is that schools, teachers, and families have access to the right support and training to give every child the best start in life.

Jake knows first-hand the difference nasen can make. His school has benefited from our expertise, and in one case, nasen supported a child and their family through a particularly challenging situation. With our guidance, the child was able to move on to a secondary school that best met their needs.

This won’t be Jake’s first time at the start line. He ran the London Marathon in 2024, raising £1,200 for Luton Foodbank, and in 2025 he completed the London Landmarks Half Marathon for Tommy’s. Now, he’s ready to take on the full 26.2 miles once again, this time to champion nasen’s mission.

Jake’s fundraising plans are ambitious and creative: from workplace events across his trust’s seven schools, to after-school ice lolly sales, quizzes, and engaging social media campaigns. He’ll be supported by his partner (an Early Years Lead at a special needs school) and the boys’ football team he coaches.

Having benefited from nasen’s work for many years, Jake is eager to give something back. Running the London Marathon is his way of thanking nasen and helping more children, families, and schools succeed and thrive.

As we launch our London Marathon 2026 campaign, please join us in welcoming Jake to #TeamNASEN!