A remarkable team of 19 runners representing Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) at the London Marathon has achieved two historic milestones. Not only did they raise a record-breaking £90,000 for Addenbrooke’s, but they also participated in the largest marathon ever held, with Guinness World Records confirming this year’s event as the world’s biggest marathon, featuring an incredible 59,830 participants crossing the finish line.
Fundraising for Pioneering Hospitals
The funds raised by Team ACT, which included four My Way runners, will support innovation, research, and cutting-edge equipment for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals. Additionally, the money will help build two groundbreaking new hospitals for Cambridge: the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital and Cambridge Children’s Hospital.
Personal Stories of Determination
James described the marathon as “a special memory that will stay with me for a lifetime.” Paul, ACT’s fastest runner on the day with a time of 3:43:45, shared his motivation: “I’ve always wanted to run the London Marathon, but to do it in memory of Dad and to raise awareness and funds for Addenbrooke’s really made it the perfect day. It has really helped over the last 12 months to keep me focused on something positive from everything that happened, and it is a memory and feeling that will stay with me!”
Jack raised over £40,000 for the hospital that cared for his twin sister, Amy, after she was diagnosed with leukaemia while pregnant with her third child, Chester. Calling ACT the “most deserving of all causes,” Jack said his highlights were seeing his family and the ACT team at the cheer point in Shadwell and high-fiving Gordon Ramsay at mile 13.
Greg signed up to raise money for Addenbrooke’s after they treated his eldest son Oscar, then 5, for medulloblastoma, a brain tumour, in 2023 and 2024. Like Jack, he is eager to run the London Marathon again next year, stating: “I’d love to give it another go without an injury and aim for that sub four-hour target. Thank you again for all your support and for sharing my story. I’m really glad to have been able to give something back to Addenbrooke’s.”
Community Fundraising Manager’s Comments
Emily Willdigg, Community Fundraising Manager at ACT, said: “Not only have our runners raised a record-breaking amount of money for ACT, they are also part of a new world record, which is very exciting!”
Apply for Future Marathon Places
To apply for an ACT London Marathon 2027 place, visit: https://act4addenbrookes.org.uk/events/tcs-london-marathon-2027/. My Way runners opt to complete the 26.2-mile distance in an area of their choice.
