Running the London Marathon in 2026 to support the amazing Make A Wish UK

We are aiming to raise enough to fund at least five life-changing wishes for children who are living with a critical illness. Every donation will help create unforgettable joy at a time when it is needed most. Thank you for any support you can give.

Our stories:

Nik

Running the London Marathon was top of my bucket list. I did it in 2018 for Hospice UK, cheered on by family and friends. I said I would never run it again. It felt impossible to match that moment.

But there was one exception. If one of my daughters ever asked me to run it with her. Jessie asked. I said yes without hesitation.

I have been privileged to serve as a Trustee of Make A Wish UK since January 2024. During this time, I have heard emotional stories, met incredible people, and become a passionate advocate for children who deserve hope, happiness, and time to simply be children.

Pulling on the Make A Wish vest and running through the streets of London will feel like stepping out at Wembley in a Sheffield United shirt. Doing that with my daughter beside me will be more special than I can ever describe.

I turn 50 just before marathon day. No parties. No presents. Just a few pounds towards this amazing cause, please.

Jessie

Watching Dad run London in 2018 was one of the best days of my life, mainly because it was one of the best in his. We have always been close, and I hope running this marathon together will keep us close while I am away at university and maybe even help me top his first marathon performance.

Since COVID, I have not been much of a runner. A couple of breathless 2-kilometre jogs in February and the realisation that Dad is getting more elderly by the day (though he will still leave me behind in April) pushed me to start training properly, especially knowing that only around 0.5 per cent of London Marathon runners are 19-year-old women.

We watch the London Marathon together every year, and I always cry at the stories of those taking part. I am so proud that we are raising money for such an inspiring charity. At five years old, I wanted to be a Paediatrician and help children who need it most. Biology GCSE disagreed with that dream, but this is my chance to still make a difference by helping give children something positive at the toughest time in their lives.

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Make-A-Wish® UK grant life-changing wishes for thousands of critically ill children across the UK. Sadly, the number of wish enquiries from seriously ill children with less than a year to live is rising fast. They need help to meet this urgent demand now - before it’s too late. For families with critically ill children, every day counts. Your support has the power to make a wish come true for a critically ill child, allowing families to create lasting memories that they will treasure forever – no matter what the future holds.