Tag: London Marathon 2026

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.

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!

Run for Team Brighterway in the London Marathon 2026

Run the London Marathon 2026 for Brighterway

Dreaming of running the iconic London Marathon? Make 2026 your year and run for Brighterway! With four places per year secured for 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029, we’re excited to invite passionate individuals to join us in this life-changing event and help transform healthcare in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Anyone can apply to run for Team Brighterway – this exciting initiative isn’t limited to NHS employees!

Why the London Marathon Matters to Brighterway

The London Marathon isn’t just a race – it’s a globally recognised event that brings together ambition, determination, and community spirit. For Brighterway, a small but influential charity, it represents an unparalleled opportunity to raise vital funds and amplify our mission.

Quite simply, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will give you an unforgettable experience and sense of achievement. The London Marathon is the largest global fundraising platform that enjoys worldwide media coverage – so it’s a big deal to Brighterway and the NHS.

It’s also the most dynamic way to support your local NHS, as funds generated by Brighterway directly support staff and patients in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Trust.

“2026 marks Brighterway’s 25th anniversary, so this milestone ties in perfectly with our participation,” explains Brighterway Fundraising & Marketing Manager Phil Pride. “The funds raised will support projects that directly enhance patient experiences, from therapeutic gardening to interactive mental health activities. These are initiatives not covered by the NHS budget, and every penny truly makes a difference.”

How Your Efforts Make an Impact

Running for Brighterway means supporting vital projects that improve the well-being of patients and NHS staff. From providing specialised equipment to creating green spaces, the funds raised go directly toward making hospitals more welcoming, healing environments.

Phil reiterates that “We aim to highlight activities like gardening, which offer therapeutic benefits to patients. Imagine helping someone find hope through something as simple as planting a seed and watching it grow – that’s the impact you could help us achieve.”

Why Run for Brighterway?

Brighterway’s involvement in the London Marathon stands out because we’re a local charity with a big heart. While large organisations dominate the event, our participation helps us break through and share our story with the wider audience afforded by the London Marathon’s global media coverage.

“People often don’t realise that Brighterway supports Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust and that we rely entirely on self-generated funding,” Phil expands. “The marathon offers a platform to show how we go beyond the NHS’s capabilities to enrich lives.”

What You Can Expect as Part of Team Brighterway

When you join Team Brighterway, you won’t be running alone. Our dedicated support includes:

  • Training Guidance: Personalised advice on fitness, nutrition, and building endurance.
  • Fundraising Support: Step-by-step help to create media profiles, reach local sponsors, and maximise tools like JustGiving.
  • Race Day Perks: Cheer squads, a dedicated base near the finish line for your supporters, and a chance to celebrate post-race.
  • Recognition and Celebration: We’ll honour your achievements with a celebratory event after the marathon, keeping the spirit alive long after race day.

Make a Difference, One Mile at a Time

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking part in the London Marathon, this is your moment to do so with purpose. Not only will you achieve a personal milestone, but you’ll also leave a lasting legacy of care and compassion in your local community.

“Joining Team Brighterway isn’t just about running, it’s about believing in our mission and helping to fund life-changing projects,” says Phil. “This is a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself.”

How to Apply

We would love to have you on Team Brighterway! Anyone can apply. To ensure we can make as much of a difference as possible, please read our entry information and requirements:

  • With only four places available each year, spots on Team Brighterway are limited.
  • The registration fee is £50.
  • Brighterway has set a £5,000 fundraising goal for each applicant
  • Brighterway guarantees that the £50 registration fee will be reimbursed when £1,000 of the £5k goal is achieved.
  • For every £1000 raised over and above £5k Brighterway will add £200 to the total sum raised eg if £8k raised we will round it up to £8600 for funding of future projects

We’re looking for runners who are passionate about fundraising and believe in Brighterway’s mission. To apply, you’ll need to:

  1. Submit an application detailing your fundraising plans and goals to phil.Pride@southernhealth.nhs.uk
  2. Pay your registration fee via a donation to: https://justgiving.com/brighterway

Applications for our 2026 marathon places are open now.

Join Us in Celebrating 25 Years of Brighterway

2026 will be a landmark year for Brighterway, and we can’t wait to celebrate it at one of the world’s most inspiring events. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or taking on your first marathon, we’d love for you to be part of our journey.

Take the first step toward making a difference. Run for Brighterway and help us change lives – one stride at a time.