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Meet our London Marathon runners: The team taking on 26.2 miles of magic

Every Spring, the streets of London transform into something extraordinary. 

Crowds gather, music fills the air, and thousands of runners take on one of the most iconic races in the world: the London Marathon. This year, we’re incredibly proud to introduce our Team George's runners who have been lacing up, showing up, and pushing themselves toward that unforgettable finish line on The Mall.

But behind every runner’s bib is a story; a reason they’re taking on the challenge and a spark that keeps them going when the miles get tough. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to the inspiring individuals representing Team George's on race day.

James Weal - Charity Place Runner

"I'm please to say I'm running the 2026 London Marathon to support St George's Hospital. As my local hospital St George's has always been there when I have needed them for both friends and family.

17th December 2024 my first son Jude was born over a month early which lead us spending 5 days in hospital. The care and support we received over this time was impeccable and couldn't be more grateful. the care and attention they provide still with follow up appointments is second to none!

Following the birth of Jude my good friend unfortunately fell ill with a heart attack and was treated at St George’s. The time, care and hard work the staff and professionals put in to give him the care he needed gives me no better reason to be running for the charity!

Not long after I heard of a friend's father who also unfortunately suffered a heart attack and was also treated at St Georges.

Through the help of St Georges and the treatment they received they are all on the road to recovery and cant think of a better way to thank them.

I understand fully times are hard but anything that can help put towards St Georges and show thanks for the hard work they do would be much appreciated!" 

Felicity Stringer - Charity Place Runner

"Over Christmas 2024 my family's world changed when my lovely Dad was diagnosed with a high-grade brain tumour. Thanks to the incredible team at St George's Hospital he received life-saving surgery and the very best care when we needed it most.

I am honoured to be running the London Marathon 2026 to raise funds for St George's Hospital Charity. The skill, compassion and dedication of the neuro-oncology team were truly extraordinary and our whole family will forever be deeply grateful for the care they gave my Dad.

Being supported through a life-changing diagnosis can make an overwhelming situation feel a little less frightening and that is exactly what St George's does so brilliantly. I feel incredibly lucky to have been offered this marathon place and I can't think of a better reason to take on this challenge.

The London Marathon is an experience like no other and I am determined to raise as much as I can for a hospital and charity that means so much to us. Every donation, no matter the size, will help support other families when they need it most." 

Gus Wiseman - Charity Place Runner

"I’m running my first marathon in support of St George’s Hospital Children’s Centre.

This cause is personal to me, but it’s also a story with a happy ending.

Just four days after Alfie was born in June 2025, he stopped breathing. Over the next several days his breathing faltered again and again, and we found ourselves at his bedside in St George’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), clinging to every rise and fall of his chest as long days turned into long nights.

The diagnosis was viral meningitis. Thanks to the extraordinary care of the doctors, nurses and staff at St George’s, Alfie made a full recovery and came home after a very long week. During our time there, we were given a parents’ room to stay close by, food and drink to keep us going, and endless compassion and reassurance. The NHS shone for us when we needed it most.

That’s why I’m fundraising for St George’s Charity. They go beyond what the NHS can fund, refurbishing wards, providing cutting-edge equipment, and supporting vital research. One of their current priorities is transforming the children’s ward, which hasn’t been updated since the 90s, into a modern and welcoming space."

Ross Eatwell - Own Place Runner

"I entered the London Marathon 2026 on a whim after a friend said they were entering. I said I’d race them and 2 months later I got a place and they didn’t. It was my first time entering, and I was part of the lucky 2-4% that get in on their first ballot!

I had been trying to decide which charity I’d like to run for when in August 2025 my Dad was rushed to St George’s hospital for emergency surgery following a ruptured aneurysm. The surgery was a success, but unfortunately my Dad was just too ill, and his body too weak, to recover. On Thursday 28th August, we had to say goodbye to Dad, and he was able to spend his last moments surrounded by family.

My Dad was cared for in the CTICU (Cardiothoracic Intensive Care unit), being given 24 hour bedside care for the 3 days he was there. We are so grateful to the team for the care they gave my Dad, the support they provided us, and their expertise and compassion. When sat in the waiting room one day, there was a poster just above me about running to support the unit, and I knew then exactly what charity I wanted to run the marathon for."

Lee Rolls - Own Place Runner

"I am father to 16 year old twins and a part time carer for elderly parents. I have experienced the wonderful services provided by NHS hospitals to all families and individuals in time of need."

We hope you’ll join us in supporting our runners as they take on this incredible challenge.

If you’d like to support our runners on the day, we’d love to have you join our Cheer Squad. Just email giving@stgeorges.nhs.uk.

And if you have your own place in the London Marathon and would like to be part of Team Georges, we’d be thrilled to welcome you — simply get in touch.

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