Author: Lou James

Four Incredible NHS Heroes Take on the London Marathon 2026 for Brighterway

Meet the Runners Making Every Step Count

The London Marathon is more than just a race — it’s a celebration of dedication, perseverance, and community spirit. In 2026, four extraordinary participants are taking on the challenge to raise funds for Brighterway, the charity supporting NHS staff and patients across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. From seasoned marathoners to those new to long-distance running, their stories inspire us all.

Meet Steve, Amber, and sisters Clare & Kat — each with their own unique journey and a shared mission to make a difference.

Steve: From NHS Veteran to Marathon Champion 

Steve, a dedicated NHS professional from Hampshire, has spent decades supporting healthcare in his community. After five unsuccessful ballot attempts, he has finally secured a charity place for the London Marathon — a dream come true.

Having run marathons across Europe, including Amsterdam, Madrid, Brussels, and the scenic 3 Country Marathon through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Steve brings experience, determination, and an unwavering spirit to the 2026 London Marathon.

“Running has become more than just a personal challenge; it’s a way for me to stay fit while giving back to those less fortunate,” Steve shares.

Steve’s journey is a testament to commitment — not just to running, but to the NHS and Brighterway’s vital work. His dedication ensures that every step helps fund projects enhancing local health services and staff wellbeing.

Support Steve and read more about his journey HERE | Donate via JustGiving HERE

Amber: From Couch to 26.2 Miles

Amber, the Admin Team Lead at Elmleigh Hospital, discovered her passion for running in 2020 through the NHS Couch to 5K programme. What began as a simple fitness goal has evolved into an inspiring mission to raise funds for Brighterway and support patients at Elmleigh Hospital.

From completing multiple Race for Life 5Ks and 10Ks to tackling the Great South Run, Amber’s commitment is unstoppable. Her adventures extend beyond running, climbing peaks like Snowdon and Scafell Pike — a true testament to her determination and love for staying active.

“Every donation makes a tangible difference to patients and staff at Elmleigh. Knowing that keeps me going, mile after mile,” says Amber.

Read Amber’s blog to follow her marathon journey HERE | Donate via JustGiving HERE

Clare & Kat: Sisters United for the NHS

Sisters Clare and Kat are no strangers to teamwork. Both Advanced Clinical Practitioners have dedicated over 15 years to supporting patients and colleagues in the NHS. Now, they are swapping scrubs for running shoes, taking on the London Marathon side by side.

Running is part of their shared story — from Clare completing her first London Marathon at 26 to Kat running her own years later. In 2026, the sisters will tackle the challenge together, powered by resilience, training miles, and, of course, plenty of coffee breaks.

“Sometimes a hot drink and a chat are all it takes to lift a mood or make someone feel seen. That’s what Brighterway helps us do,” they say.

Their dedication reflects the heart of Brighterway, supporting staff wellbeing and patient care with every step they take.

Follow Clare & Kat’s journey on their blog HERE | Donate via JustGiving HERE

Join Us in Supporting These Amazing Runners

Steve, Amber, Clare, and Kat are each running for more than personal achievement — they are running to help Brighterway make a real difference in the lives of NHS staff and patients. Your support can help them reach the finish line and fund projects that matter.

Every donation counts, no matter the size. Click the links to follow their training journeys, read their inspiring stories, and contribute to their fundraising efforts.

Let’s cheer them on as they prepare for the London Marathon 2026 — together, we can help make every mile matter!

Keep an eye out for updates from our runners as they train, fundraise and prepare to take on London in 2026 — one step at a time, together for Brighterway.

Two sisters, one marathon, one incredible cause: Clare and Kat’s 2026 London Marathon journey for Brighterway

Running for the NHS family that means so much

Meet Clare and Kat — sisters, best friends, and Advanced Clinical Practitioners who have dedicated over 15 years to the NHS. Together, they’ve supported patients, families and colleagues through the highs and lows of healthcare life. 

Now, they’re swapping their scrubs for running shoes as they take on the 2026 London Marathon in support of Brighterway, the charity that helps staff and patients across the Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Trust.

A shared journey from healthcare to the marathon starting line

Running has always been part of Clare and Kat’s story. It started when Clare ran her first London Marathon at 26 — just a year after joining the NHS — and somehow managed to rope Kat into training with her (even though Kat wasn’t running!). Fifteen years later, the roles reversed when Kat ran the marathon herself, with Clare cheering her on and joining for the training miles.

In 2026, they’ll finally take on the challenge side by side — united by a shared love of running, resilience, and plenty of coffee stops along the way.

Why Brighterway?

For Clare and Kat, Brighterway represents everything they value about the NHS — kindness, connection, and community. The charity funds projects that make a real difference to both staff and patients, from wellbeing activities and relaxation spaces to creative initiatives that brighten hospital environments.

As frontline healthcare professionals, the sisters see first-hand how these small touches can transform someone’s day.

 “We both believe in the power of a hot drink and a chat,” they say. “Sometimes that’s all it takes to lift a mood, spark a smile, or help someone feel seen.”

How you can help

Every donation — even the price of a coffee — helps Brighterway continue its incredible work, improving staff welfare, patient care and community wellbeing across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Your support will keep Clare and Kat running strong all the way to the finish line of the 2026 London Marathon.

👉 Support Clare and Kat’s fundraising journey and donate today: Visit their JustGiving page

Keep an eye out for updates from Clare and Kat as they train, fundraise and prepare to take on London in 2026 — one step at a time, together for Brighterway.

Running for a Brighter Future: Steve’s London Marathon Journey

From Hampshire to the World Stage

Meet Steve, a dedicated NHS professional from Hampshire, who’s gearing up to tackle the London Marathon 2026 in support of Brighterway. After being unsuccessful in the ballot five times, Steve has finally secured a charity place for this once-in-a-lifetime experience — a milestone on his bucket list.

Having worked in the NHS since 1979, Steve has witnessed firsthand the incredible impact Brighterway has on supporting NHS staff to go above and beyond. Now, he’s running to help fund projects that make a tangible difference to the health and wellbeing of people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

A Marathon Journey Full of Dedication

Steve isn’t new to long-distance running. This will be his sixth marathon, following events in Amsterdam, Madrid, Brussels, the scenic 3 Country Marathon across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and most recently, the Manchester Marathon in 2023.

Each race has required dedication, sacrifice, and determination, but Steve says it’s the finish line elation, the crowd support, and the opportunity to raise funds for worthy causes that make it all worthwhile. Running has become more than just a personal challenge; it’s a way for him to stay fit physically and mentally, while giving back to those less fortunate.

The London Marathon: A World Marathon Major

The London Marathon is one of the prestigious World Marathon Majors, alongside Boston, New York, Tokyo, Berlin, Sydney, and Chicago. For Steve, it’s a privilege to take part in such a globally celebrated event and to do so for a charity that holds deep personal significance.

As an amateur musician, Steve also loves the energy from the bands and performers along the route, which help distract from the miles and add to the unforgettable atmosphere of the race. The encouragement from spectators shouting his name is an extra boost that will carry him through each step.

Supporting Steve and Brighterway

Every step Steve takes will contribute to Brighterway’s vital work. From helping NHS staff provide exceptional care to funding projects that enhance local health services, your support can make a real difference.

You can help Steve make every mile matter. 

Donations, big or small, will not only fuel his run but also brighten the lives of those who need it most.

Donate to Steve’s JustGiving page and support his London Marathon journey today — together, we can make a brighter future, one step at a time .

Keep an eye out for updates from Steve as he trains, fundraises and prepares to take on London in 2026 — one step at a time, together for Brighterway.


Amber’s Marathon Journey: Running for Brighterway in 2026

From Couch to 26.2 Miles – Amber’s Inspiring Story: Passionate Runner and Fundraiser

Amber, the Admin Team Lead at Elmleigh Hospital in Havant, is taking on an extraordinary challenge in 2026 – running the London Marathon to raise funds for Brighterway and support patients at Elmleigh. What started as a simple goal to get active has turned into an inspiring journey of determination, fitness, and giving back.

A Journey Begun in 2020

Amber discovered her love for running in 2020 through the NHS Couch to 5K programme. Since then, she hasn’t looked back. She has completed multiple Race for Life 5Ks, stepped up to 10Ks – most recently in June – and even tackled the Great South Run. Regular parkruns with friends keep her motivated, while her outdoor adventures, including climbing Snowdon and Scafell Pike, show her love for nature and staying active.

Why Amber is Running for Brighterway

Fundraising for Amber is more than just a challenge – it’s a passion. She is deeply committed to supporting Brighterway and the patients at Elmleigh, knowing that every donation will help provide vital care and services. Amber’s energy, positivity, and determination shine through in her training and fundraising efforts, inspiring everyone around her.

How You Can Help

You can be part of Amber’s journey by sponsoring her London Marathon run. Every contribution – big or small – helps Brighterway continue its amazing work supporting patients at Elmleigh Hospital. Donating is simple, fast, and completely secure via JustGiving, ensuring your support reaches the charity directly.

Support Amber today and help her make every step count.
Visit Amber’s JustGiving page to donate now.

Donating through JustGiving is quick, secure and efficient — your contribution goes straight to the charity, helping Brighterway save time and cut costs so more can go to those who need it most.

Keep an eye on our channels for updates from Amber as she continues her training and countdown to the 2026 London Marathon. 

We can’t wait to share her journey with you!

Join us at our Christmas Markets Across Hampshire

This festive season, Brighterway is bringing cheer to communities across Hampshire with a series of Christmas markets. Each event is a wonderful opportunity to shop, discover unique gifts, and support a local cause that makes a real difference to NHS patients, service users, and staff.

Here’s where you’ll find us spreading festive cheer this year:

Our stalls will be full of festive treats and gift ideas, featuring a variety of Christmas presents, local products, and seasonal produce – perfect for finding something special for your loved ones.

Join Us and Make a Difference This Christmas

Whether you’re searching for unique gifts or festive treats, we’d love to see you at one of our markets. 

Bring your family and friends, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and celebrate the season while supporting the NHS heroes who work tirelessly for us all year round.

Step into the magic of Brighterway’s Christmas markets and make this holiday season truly special!

Transforming Christmas for NHS patients: Brighterway spreads festive cheer

For many of us, Christmas is a time for family, warmth, and celebration. But for nearly a thousand patients spending the festive season in hospital, it can be a lonely and difficult experience. That’s why, once again this year, Brighterway – the dedicated charity of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – is working to bring a little extra joy to patients, service users, and staff through its heartwarming Christmas campaign.

Bringing festive cheer to hospital wards

In partnership with specialist gift supplier Colleaguebox, Brighterway has created a beautifully designed festive tote bag, packed with thoughtful and uplifting surprises. Each gift bag is carefully curated to spread joy, offer comfort, and remind patients that they are cared for.

Inside, patients will find a personalised Christmas card, indulgent chocolates, and a luxury wash bag complete with handmade soaps, soothing lip balm, and a cosy pair of socks. To provide entertainment and relaxation, the bags also include word searches, puzzles, and colouring books – small touches that can make a big difference during what can otherwise be a difficult time.

These gifts are more than just presents. They are a way of showing kindness, compassion, and connection, ensuring patients feel valued and remembered during the festive period.

Adding sparkle across the Trust

Gift bags will begin making their way to wards during the first week of December, wrapped and ready for distribution. This ensures staff can easily share the festive magic with patients, creating moments of happiness and togetherness across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Why this campaign matters

For many patients, receiving a gift bag is a moment of light in what might otherwise be a challenging time. A simple pair of socks, a handwritten card, or a sweet treat can provide warmth, reassurance, and a sense of being cared for.

Phil Pride, Charity Manager at Brighterway, explains:
 “We want to ensure our patients are the most important part of our Christmas celebration. These gifts are a small token to show we care and to bring a smile to faces across our community this Christmas.”

How you can help

This campaign wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of Brighterway’s supporters. With nearly a thousand patients spending Christmas in our hospitals, we’re aiming to raise £10,000 through the appeal – enough to make sure every single one of them receives a gift bag.

Every donation helps us create, pack, and deliver these festive bags, ensuring patients can experience a brighter Christmas.

By donating today, you’ll be helping to spread kindness, comfort, and festive cheer to people who need it most.

👉 Donate HERE.

Together, we can transform Christmas for NHS patients, creating special memories and moments of joy when they are needed most.