My name is Mike and I'm running the London Marathon 2026 for World Animal Protection.

My journey of raising money for World Animal Protection began when I met a very special Hen named Hetty. Spending time in the garden with her where she lives. I was fascinated with how quirky she is, has her own personality and is full of life!

There was a time when she was brooding over her eggs expecting chicks, unfortunately there was no Cockerel living with her so the eggs didn't hatch. Afterwards she went into a bit of a low and wouldn't come out of her house. This all got me thinking that Hens have emotions just like us and are sentient beings. You only have to watch Hetty pecking around the garden looking for grubs and worms for a few minutes to realise, that is their natural habitat.

From there I began to research Factory Farming and the appalling conditions that Chickens are kept in. I wanted to do my bit to help these animals and other animals around the world that are suffering. So after a bit of Googling I found World Animal Protection. I loved what I was reading about them, the good work that they do to give animals a voice.

I began to do various fitness challenges in my local area with Ryan. A friend of mine from the local gym (you can see these if you search Instagram for Eighty4 Fitness). We would set tough challenges ie : 1500 Burpees over 10 locations around Norwich to raise money for our chosen causes. Mine was World Animal Protection.

After a couple of challenges WAP got in touch and said there may be a place on their 2026 London marathon team! I immediately replied 'YES!'

For me running the London Marathon to raise money for World Animal Protection is an absolute honour!

Hetty is back to her usual quirky self now after her brooding haha. I think if more people sat with Chickens, Cows, Pigs and looked them in the eye before going to the supermarket meat aisle. They'd probably think differently. I believe this is my purpose, to keep doing these fitness challenges, raising money and spreading awareness. Animals are wonderful creatures who don't have a way to voice if they're suffering. That's where World Animal Protection comes in! I'm so happy to have this place for the 2026 London Marathon! #fortheanimals #worldanimalprotection

Mike