From extreme endurance feats to collective campaigns, the 2026 London Marathon continues to serve as a powerful platform for fundraising. Runners are not only pushing physical limits but also driving significant support for causes ranging from healthcare to human rights.
Here’s a look at some of the standout fundraisers from the 2026 race, highlighting the stories, challenges and impact behind the miles.
Jagjit Singh – Leonard Cheshire Disability
Jagjit Singh of Belmore ward participated in his 20th London Marathon race and 600th overall marathon to raise funds for Leonard Cheshire, a charity which supports people with disabilities.
Offering opportunities, choices and support in communities around the globe, the charity champions independence for those with disabilities, supporting individuals to live, learn and work beyond any constraints.
Donate here – https://www.justgiving.com/page/jagjit-singh
Gary McKee – Hospice at Home West Cumbria
Veteran fundraiser Gary McKee completed his 100th marathon in 100 consecutive days at the London Marathon, finishing alongside his 18-year-old son Beau after a challenge that began in January 2026.
The Cleator Moor runner has raised over £70,000 so far for Hospice at Home West Cumbria, a charity providing free palliative and end-of-life care services across the region, with a target of £100,000. It’s a milestone that would take his lifetime fundraising for the charity to £1 million. Beau supported the effort by running alongside him each day.
The campaign builds on earlier family fundraising efforts, with Beau himself completing 501 consecutive days of running, raising over £40,000 in 2018. It has drawn widespread support throughout the 100-day run, highlighting the growing role of endurance challenges in driving donations for local healthcare services.
Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/gary-mckee-100ldn
Nick Ettridge – Battersea
A proud dog dad of five – including three rescues – Nick Ettridge ran the marathon to raise money for Battersea, which not only takes in dogs and cats in need but provides the care they need as well as finding them the right homes. The charity also provides pet parents with training advice and assists other rescue centres and charities both at home and abroad.
Undergoing plenty of training to get fit to run the marathon, Nick’s passion and commitment for animal welfare and rescue shined bright as he completed the marathon surpassing his target of £2,500.
You can find more about his journey preparing for the race across his dogs’ social media.
Donate here – https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/instadoggo
Manny Singh Kang – Dementia UK
Endurance fundraiser Manny Singh Kang took on an extreme challenge linked to the London Marathon, covering 156 miles over 2.5 days without sleep before completing the race itself. Starting from Wolverhampton, Kang ran to the marathon start line and then took on the course for the sixth time, as part of his ongoing campaign for Dementia UK. The effort has raised more than £327,000, far surpassing his initial £5,000 target, with support from over 12,000 donors.
Organisers provided logistical support on race day, allowing Kang flexibility after the multi-day run. His latest challenge adds to more than seven years of fundraising for the charity, which relies on public donations to fund specialist dementia nurses supporting families and patients across the UK.
Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mkang
Amnesty International UK
A team of runners representing Amnesty International UK took on the London Marathon to raise funds and awareness for global human rights campaigns. The group has raised over £32,000 towards a £40,000 target, with hundreds of supporters backing efforts that focus on issues including refugees, climate action, women’s and children’s rights and conflict-affected regions.
Part of a wider global movement, Amnesty International mobilises volunteers and supporters to investigate abuses and advocate for justice worldwide. The marathon initiative forms part of its broader fundraising drive, using one of the world’s most recognised races to support ongoing human rights work.
Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/amnestylondonmarathon26
Tom Merriman – Children with Cancer UK
Tom Merriman ran the London Marathon to raise vital funds for Children with Cancer UK, a charity championing to help children and youth with cancer.
Describing running the 26.2 miles as “the hardest thing I’ve had to do,” upon completing the race, Merriman’s dedication paid off as his surpassed his target amount of £3000.
Donate here – https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/thomas-merriman
(Words by Malvika Padin and Khushboo Malhotra | Videos/clips belong to respective owners)
Inspired by these efforts? Support a fundraiser, donate to a cause, or consider taking on the London Marathon yourself because every mile can make a difference. Share your thoughts with us on X and Instagram, and visit Lyrical Muse for more such coverage.
Leave a Reply